Ghana evacuates citizens displaced by demolition exercise in Côte d’Ivoire
Hundreds of Ghanaians affected by a large-scale demolition exercise in Côte d’Ivoire are being brought back home under a government-assisted repatriation programme coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The affected nationals had been living in Port Bouët, a municipality in Abidjan, where ongoing demolitions reportedly destroyed homes and disrupted economic activities, leaving many residents without shelter or a means of income.
According to the Ministry, a total of 327 Ghanaians were identified as requiring assistance. The first group, comprising 228 people, arrived in Ghana on June 11, while arrangements were completed for the remaining returnees to travel home the following day.
To support the operation, government provided transportation for both the returnees and their personal belongings at no cost.
“The Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey our nationals and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely,” the Ministry said in a statement issued on June 12.
Beyond facilitating their return, Ghanaian authorities are also pursuing discussions with the Ivorian government over compensation for those affected by the demolitions.
“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 statement said.
The Ministry indicated that Ghana’s embassy in Abidjan will continue engaging with relevant authorities as efforts continue to address the concerns of those impacted.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to citizens living abroad, the Ministry said measures are being put in place to support the returnees and help them reintegrate after their arrival in Ghana.
“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 stated.
Officials also thanked the Ivorian authorities and other stakeholders for their cooperation during the repatriation exercise.
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