Ghana will not be used as base for Ivory Coast attacks

John Dramani Mahama noted "the unfolding tensions in Cote d'Ivoire," and said Ghana "will not harbour any individuals or groups whose intent is to utilise Ghana as a base of operation to undermine the safety and security of another nation," in an address to the United Nations that was distributed in Accra.

The Friday attack at the Noe border crossing prompted Ivory Coast to shut its land, sea and air borders with Ghana, but flights between the neighbours have since resumed.

There have been a series of recent similar attacks on police and other security targets in Ivory Coast. "Ghana is particularly concerned by the repeated claims the incursions are being initiated from Ghana," a foreign ministry statement on the border closures said.

"Ghana remains determined... the two countries jointly investigate these occurrences to our mutual benefit in accordance with the memorandum of understanding that exists between the security services of the two countries," it added.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara's government has accused supporters of former president Laurent Gbagbo of backing the attacks with help from exiles in Ghana. Thousands of Gbagbo loyalists fled to Ghana after the fall of his regime following a post-election conflict that claimed some 3,000 lives between December 2010 and April 2011.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge