Government says it will do all it can to ensure the release of four Ghanaians currently held captive by forces loyal to UN backed Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. Five Ghanaians were arrested two weeks ago over suspicions they were mercenaries working for belligerent and incumbent President, Laurent Gbagbo, but Ghana government says the five are masons who are legitimately working in Ivory Coast. One was however released after his health deteriorated, with the four still in Ivorian custody in Buoake. The government of Alassane Ouattara is demanding high level discussion with Ghanaian officials before it could release the four. Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Information James Agyanim Boateng told Joy News the government will not shirk its responsibility in releasing the captives. He said Ghana’s Ambassador to Ivory Coast has been tasked to lead diplomatic mission and hold talks with Ouattara’s men over the release of the men. James Agyanim Boateng said his expectation is that the captives will soon be released. “Ghana Embassy Officials in Ivory Coast are not resting on this matter. This is a matter they continue to engage Mr. Alassane Ouattara’s side over,” he said. “…What they are asking for is dialogue with our government at the very top. We do believe that these are issues that can effectively and competently be handled by our Embassy Officials for which reason they have been assigned this task. “Our expectation is that they are released very soon for as long as they continue to remain in the custody of the forces who are loyal to Alassane Ouattara the government of Ghana will not shirk its responsibility." “We will continue to press for the release of these Ghanaians,” he assured. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana