The Government of Ghana has begun the repatriation of 327 Ghanaian nationals stranded in Port Bouët, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following a mass demolition exercise that left many of them displaced and without livelihoods.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 228 affected Ghanaians had already arrived safely in the country on Thursday, June 11, while arrangements had been finalised for the remaining returnees to arrive on June 12.
According to the Ministry, the affected nationals had been residing in areas impacted by the demolition exercise undertaken by authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality. The demolitions reportedly left them stranded after they lost their homes and sources of income, making it difficult for them to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire.
To facilitate the repatriation process, the Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to transport the returnees and their belongings back home free of charge.
The Ministry also disclosed that Ivorian authorities have expressed their willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise. Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the promised compensation is delivered to the affected Ghanaian nationals.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians both at home and abroad, pledging to intensify efforts to support the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals.
The Ministry further expressed appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise.
It added that further updates on the situation would be communicated to the public as necessary.