GUNS BOOM AT IVORY COAST- GHANA BORDER

From Simmons Yussif Kewura, Kumasi

REPORTS FROM the Ghana-La Cote d’Ivoire border in the Western region indicate that sporadic gunshots were heard at the Ivorian side of the Check point, in the Ivorian town of Noe recently.

Although it was not clear who was behind the shooting, insiders alleged that rebels suspected to be loyal to the ousted Ivorian leader, Laurent Gbagbo, were behind the shooting.

Following the shooting incident, the Ivorian side of the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire border has remained closed since Monday, despite a promise by Ivorian authorities that the border would be opened on humanitarian reasons.

A news report monitored by The Chronicle on ULTIMATE RADIO alleged that those undertaking the shooting were rebels loyal to Gbagbo, who were shooting to disperse the Ivorian government soldiers, in order to take over the border.

The border, which is supposed to be opened at 6 am, as agreed by the Governments of Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire could not be opened as planned, and this has rendered traders plying the two countries stranded.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Interior Minister, Mr. Kobby Acheampong told ULTIMATE RADIO that the Ivorian shooting incident does not emanate from Ghana, but purely internal issue from La Cote d’Ivoire, saying what the government could do was to ensure that its security is tightened.

According to the deputy Minister, the government of Ghana is ever ready to collaborate with the Ivorian government to tackle issues of security to ensure peace between the two sister countries.

The Ghana-La Cote d’Ivoire border was closed to traffic on Saturday after some attacks took place at Ivorian side of the border.  This situation has led to commuters between the two borders getting stranded.

Reports also revealed that there were shortages of drugs and this situation was compounding health situation along the border towns, on both sides.

 

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