The Ghanaian government has called for a joint investigation into the circumstances that led to the cross border clashes that occurred in Cote d’Ivoire leading to a closure of its borders.

Following discussions between officials of Ghana and Ivory Coast, the air and land borders were re-opened with a condition that the Elubo border will be closed at six pm.

In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed optimism that the two governments will seek a mutual resolution of the issues.

Earlier Monday, WANEP Executive Director Emmanuel Bombande said the attacks in Cote d’Ivoire reflect the wider political challenges the Ivorian government must deal with in an effort to pursue peace and security.

Meanwhile Joy News checks at the Ghana – Elubo border indicate that the border has been closed but the backlog of passengers who were stranded have been processed and crossed over to Cote d’Ivoire.

Full statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The government of Ghana expresses grave concern over recent development in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire namely multiple attacks on police stations and gendarmerie barracks in Abidjan and Noi and the Ivorian side of the elubo border reportedly by armed assailants.

These developments resulted in the closure of the land air and sea borders with Ghana. We are however happy to note that after observing cross border movement between the two countries, President Ouatarra has ordered the opening of the air border.

The government of Ghana fully acknowledges the challenges these reported incidents pose to the peace and security not only to Cote d’Ivoire but to Ghana as well.

Given our shared commitment to peace and security as consistently stated by the Presidents of our two countries, Ghana is particularly concerned about the particular claims that the incursions are being initiated from Ghana.

The government of Ghana remains determined and resolute that the two countries jointly investigate these occurrences to our mutual benefit in accordance with the memorandum of understanding that exists between our security services and in consonance with our shared responsibility to safeguard peace.

We wish to repeat reassurances given to the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire and the international Community that Ghana will continue to abide by international law.

We wish to emphasise that Ghana will not allow the hospitality we offer to refugees in Cote d’Ivoire to be construed as providing an opportunity for planning and executing any actions to undermine the sovereignty peace and reconciliation effort being undertaken by the Ivorian government under the committed leadership of President Ouatara.

The government of Ghana wishes to re-state that refugees and asylum seekers strictly adhere to the laws of Ghana and international regulations and conventions especially the tripartite agreement between Cote d’Ivoire Ghana and UNHCR.

The government of Ghana wishes to affirm the sustained disposition of our security agencies to collaborate and cooperate fully with their Ivorian counterparts and to intensify cooperation through dialogue and effective sharing of information conducive to the enforcement of domestic and international law.