The government of Ghana has begun the repatriation of 327 Ghanaian nationals stranded in Côte d’Ivoire after a mass demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan left them homeless and without livelihoods.
In a press release issued on Friday, June 12, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that 228 of the affected Ghanaians had already returned home on Thursday, June 11, while arrangements had been completed for the remaining 99 nationals to arrive in Ghana later on Friday.
The affected Ghanaians were residing in communities impacted by the ongoing demolition exercise being carried out by Ivorian authorities.
“All three hundred and twenty-seven (327) Ghanaian nationals were previously residing in areas affected by the demolition exercise and became stranded having lost their sources of livelihood and lacking the means to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire,” the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry noted that the Government had provided transportation free of charge to facilitate the return of the affected citizens and their belongings.
“The Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey our nationals and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely,” the statement added.
According to the Foreign Ministry, authorities in Côte d’Ivoire had indicated their intention to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise.
It stated that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan would continue engaging with the Ivorian authorities to ensure that the promised compensation is delivered to affected Ghanaian nationals.
“The Ministry further wishes to acknowledge that Ivorian authorities have expressed their desire to compensate the victims of their demolition exercise and shall therefore remain actively engaged on the matter to ensure that the promised compensation is received by our affected nationals,” the release noted.
Additionally, the Foreign Ministry assured the public that government remains committed to the welfare of Ghanaians abroad and would continue to provide the necessary support for the successful reintegration of the returnees.
“The Government of Ghana remains committed to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians and will intensify efforts to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals,” it said.
The Foreign Ministry also expressed appreciation to the Ivorian authorities and other stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation process and indicated that further updates would be communicated to the public when necessary.
