Ghana refutes grounds for Brazil asylum requests

Ghana's government on Friday denied there was "religious conflict" in the country, after dozens of Ghanaian football fans sought asylum in Brazil during the Soccer World Cup.

"The basis for this alleged request is completely false, as no religious conflict is taking place in Ghana," said deputy minister of information and media relations, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

A group of Muslim soccer fans, who had travelled to Brazil on tourist visas, told Brazilian authorities they were fleeing religious persecution in Ghana, where 70% of the population are Christian.

"Ghana is one of the most stable and peaceful countries, not just in the West African sub-region but also on the African continent," Ofosu said. Ghanaian authorities were liaising with Brazil to investigate the matter, Ofosu added.