Heads of State of the West African sub-region have recognised opposition leader Alassane Ouattara as the president elect of Cote d’Ivoire in a disputed run-off election. In a 14 point communiqué released at the end of the extraordinary meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, the heads of state called on incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo to hand over power to the opposition leader. The communiqué further resolved that the will of the Ivorian people must be respected. This was revealed to Joy News by the head of communications at Ghana’s presidency, Koku Anyidoho who was part of Ghana's delegation to Abuja. President John Mills of Ghana was part of heads of states who met on Tuesday to take a position on the disputed election in the Ivory Coast. Both the opposition leader Alassane Ouattara and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo claim victory of the election and have sworn themselves into office. The electoral commission had declared the opposition leader as winner of the election, but a constitutional council overturned that decision and annulled some polls from the opposition's strongholds. This has sparked lots of tension in the West African country with calls on regional bodies to intervene. ECOWAS says Gbagbo must step down and respect the will of the people. Koku Anyidoho said the sub- regional body will activate the necessary sanctions if Gbagbo fails to adhere to the communiqué. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana