Ghana government has debunked reports from the Ivorian media alleging it is shielding dissidents loyal to ousted Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo in Ghana, ostensibly to plot a coup against new President Alassane Ouattara. A deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah said the allegations are baseless and must not be taken seriously. The 14 May, 2011 edition of the pro-Ouattara newspaper Patriote, alleged the pro-Gbagbo men, have now found a safe haven in Accra and have a ‘crazy dream’ to return to power. The report, written by the paper’s editor and a confidante of the Ivorian President, Charles Sanga, accused President Mills of being “guilty” in what appears to be a coup conspiracy against Ghana’s neighbour. “For a country as democratic as Ghana, to serve as a base to destabilize a democratically elected president of another country is really incomprehensible,” writes Charles Sanga. Another report on the website of the New Forces, (www.fninfo.ci), Prime Minister Guillaume Soro’s rebel group, carries a similar story against Ghana, with the headline, “Le silence coupable d’un pays frère”, or “The guilty silence of a brother country.” That report insisted “there are persistent reports and increasing rumours that these refugees, whose hands are soaked in Ivorian blood are being allowed to prepare an uprising against Cote d’Ivoire from Ghana.” These reports follow increasing perception, real or imagined that the Ghana government is an ally to the ousted leader. But government has broken its silence on the matter with the deputy Information Minister denying the presence of any such group in Ghana. In an interview with Joy News’ Israel Laryea, the deputy Minister of Information indicated that the unfounded allegations have come to the notice of government and it is no different from the many other empty allegations making rounds in the Ghanaian media, on one issue or another against the Mills administration. He said it is instructive to note that no Ivorian government official has given credence to the allegations, insisting, relationship between the two presidents is cordial. He stressed Ghana is always championing peace in the sub region and would not engage in any act that will threaten that peace. That notwithstanding, he said the security services are always on the alert and are conducting investigations into the matter. According to him, President John Mills spoke to his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, Monday morning, an indication of a healthy rapport between the two countries. The Ghana president had early on indicated he would be present in Ivory Coast as a guest president to witness the investiture of President Alassane Ouattara. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana