By: Ashiadey Dotse
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that more than 8,000 out of 13,253 Ghanaians who fled to Côte d’Ivoire due to the Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region have safely returned home.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shown both agility and commitment in protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad. He explained that Ghana’s embassies in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso were directed to work closely with the authorities of both countries to provide the necessary consular support for displaced Ghanaians.
The Minister, who personally visited Côte d’Ivoire from September 12 to 14, 2025, said the trip allowed him to assess the condition of the displaced and deliver a special message of peace and reconciliation from President John Dramani Mahama. He also revealed that although 13,253 Ghanaians initially sought refuge in Côte d’Ivoire, a recent census showed that 8,000 had returned home, leaving 5,309 still in Côte d’Ivoire.
On behalf of President Mahama, Mr. Ablakwa donated CFA 6 million to support urgent humanitarian needs and facilitate safe return logistics. He added that the donation was in addition to relief items such as food, water, blankets, and medicines already provided through NADMO.
The Minister also held talks with his Burkinabe counterpart, Karamoko Jeanne Marie Drury, on the welfare of about 1,455 Ghanaians displaced in Burkina Faso. This figure, he noted, was a significant reduction from the 2,500 refugees recorded at the peak of the conflict.
Mr. Ablakwa assured that the Mahama administration will not abandon any Ghanaian in distress abroad. He expressed appreciation to the governments and people of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso for their support and emphasized the importance of African solidarity, noting that Ghana has historically provided refuge to citizens of neighboring countries during crises.
