More than 8,000 Ghanaians who fled to Côte d’Ivoire in the wake of the Gbinyiri conflict have returned home.
This was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, while delivering an update at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15.
The Minister explained that the number of nationals still in Côte d’Ivoire now stands at 5,309 — a sharp drop from the initial 13,253 recorded when the clashes broke out.
He said, “During my visit, I discovered that about 8,000 Ghanaians have safely returned home. The latest census conducted reveals that the remaining number of Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire is 5,309. No more 13,253.”
The Gbinyiri conflict, rooted in a protracted land dispute, has so far claimed at least 31 lives and left many others injured. Thousands, mostly women and children, were forced across the border into northern Côte d’Ivoire, where they lived in makeshift conditions.
Mr. Ablakwa attributed the safe return of displaced citizens to government’s intervention measures, including peacebuilding initiatives and enhanced security in the affected areas.
He also conveyed President John Mahama’s special message of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, urging all displaced persons to consider returning home.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
