The government has repatriated 228 Ghanaian nationals who were left stranded by a mass demolition exercise in Abidjan’s Port Bouët Municipality, with the remaining 99 expected to return later today.
A release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 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,” it noted.
It said the government has provided buses and trucks to transport its nationals and their belongings free of charge to Ghana.
The Ministry further acknowledged that Ivorian authorities have expressed their desire to compensate the victims of their demolition exercise and shall therefore remain actively engaged in the matter to ensure that affected nationals receive the promised compensation.
“To this effect, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to carry out the much-needed coordination,” it added.
According to the release, the government was committed to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians and would intensify efforts to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals.
The Ministry expressed its appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the Government of Ghana’s repatriation.
“Further updates will be communicated to the public as appropriate,” it said.
In an interview with the media, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Madam Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, confirmed the returnees’ arrival, saying the government was ready to support them with transport, relief items, and health care.
“These are brothers and sisters from Côte d’Ivoire that were affected by the demolition exercise ongoing just to control flooding in Côte d’Ivoire, and so the government thought it was right to repatriate them back to their various homes,” she added.
She commended the foreign ministries of both countries and President John Dramani Mahama for facilitating the return.
The returnees include people from Greater Accra, Takoradi, Cape Coast, and the Eastern Region. Upon arrival, they underwent health screening, including blood tests, and those with coughs received medical attention.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
