“After Gbinyiri Crisis, 8,000 Ghanaians Return; 5,309 Still in Côte d’Ivoire” – Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa

After the violent land dispute in Gbinyiri, thousands of Ghanaians fled to northern Côte d’Ivoire for safety.

According to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, about 8,000 citizens have now safely returned to Ghana.

A new census reveals 5,309 Ghanaians still remain in Côte d’Ivoire, down from an earlier figure of 13,253.

Earlier on, President John Mahama sent messages of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, encouraging displaced citizens to return now that stability has been improved.

> “I delivered a special message from President Mahama; A message of peace and forgiveness, and a message appealing to all our compatriots to return home since government has beefed up security and ensured that normalcy is restored,” said Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

To assist with urgent needs and support voluntary return, the Foreign Affairs Ministry donated CFA 6 million to help with logistics and immediate necessities. In addition to cash, relief items: food, water, blankets, medicines  are being provided through Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

GhanaView News reported that, women and children feature prominently among those Ghanaians displaced. Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in deaths and widespread displacement.

While many have returned, a significant number of Ghanaians still face difficult living conditions in displacement camps.

The government continues to reinforce security in affected areas, with peacebuilding and mediation efforts underway.

Per the government, restoring “normalcy” is a stated priority, to give displaced Ghanaians confidence to return.