The issue of Ghanaian refugees in Côte d’Ivoire must not be ignored as the United Nations General Assembly meets, according to the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP). The group has urged President Mahama to use the UN stage to raise concerns about refugees, the Bawku conflict, and illegal mining.
IERPP noted that more than 13,000 Ghanaians fled the Savannah region due to the Gbiniyiri conflict. Many are now in Côte d’Ivoire, while some sought shelter in Burkina Faso. Authorities, the institute said, have shown limited effort to guarantee their safe return.
The group also drew attention to the Bawku crisis. Despite repeated promises, peace has not been restored. Movement restrictions continue, and timelines for resolution have expired without results.
On environmental concerns, IERPP warned about the devastation caused by galamsey. Rivers and streams have been polluted, chemicals are damaging ecosystems, and livelihoods are under threat. The institute believes President Mahama must make this a central issue abroad.
Professor Isaac Boadi, Executive Secretary of IERPP, stressed that speeches alone cannot solve these challenges. He called for decisive actions to secure peace in Savannah, protect refugees, end the Bawku conflict, and combat galamsey.
