228 stranded Ghanaians return home after Abidjan demolitions
The government has repatriated 228 out of the 327 Ghanaian nationals affected by an ongoing demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The first batch of returnees arrived in the country last Thursday.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Friday indicated that arrangements had been finalised for the remaining 99 affected Ghanaians to return home.
According to the statement, the affected nationals had been residing in communities impacted by the demolition exercise being carried out by the Ivorian authorities.
It explained that the exercise had left many of them stranded after they lost their sources of livelihood and were unable to secure alternative accommodation.
The Ministry stated that the Government of Ghana had provided buses and trucks to transport the affected persons and their belongings back home at no cost.
It noted that the repatriation formed part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaian citizens abroad.
The statement further disclosed that the Ivorian authorities had indicated their intention to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise.
It added that Ghana would continue to engage the relevant authorities in Côte d’Ivoire to ensure that the affected nationals received the promised compensation.
The Ministry also indicated that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan would sustain its coordination efforts and follow up on the matter.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the successful return and reintegration of the affected persons.
It also expressed appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and other stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise. The Ministry assured the public that further updates on the situation would be provided when necessary
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
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