Government Pledges Full Support for Ghanaians Repatriated From Cote d'Ivoire

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has assured that the government will provide full support for Ghanaian nationals repatriated from Cote d’Ivoire following demolition exercises that left hundreds stranded and without livelihoods in the neighbouring country.

Speaking to the media, Ms Ocloo said the government is committed to ensuring that all returnees are properly assisted to resettle and rebuild their livelihoods. She explained that the repatriation became necessary after many Ghanaian residents were affected by demolition activities in the Port Bouet municipality of Abidjan, which left them homeless, jobless and stranded.

“I want to sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, as well as His Excellency the President and all stakeholders who ensured our brothers and sisters were brought home safely,” she said.

Coordinated Response

The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies, coordinated the safe return of the affected nationals. Ms Ocloo disclosed that officials are currently compiling data on all returnees to ensure they receive coordinated assistance, including transportation to their respective hometowns.

“We are taking their contact details so that we can support them properly. We will also provide transport to take them to their various destinations,” she added.

She revealed that although 303 returnees were officially received, some are currently located in other parts of the country, including Greater Accra, Takoradi, Cape Coast and the Eastern Region, having made their own way back before the formal repatriation exercise.

The repatriation follows a pattern of displacement affecting Ghanaians in the sub-region. Last month, the government brought home 327 Ghanaians stranded after the same Cote d’Ivoire demolitions, an exercise that highlighted the vulnerability of diaspora communities to sudden policy changes in host countries.

Medical Screening and Relief

Upon arrival, the returnees underwent medical screening conducted by health professionals, including doctors and nurses. “They all went through screening. We had health workers, nurses and doctors on site to attend to them,” Ms Ocloo said, adding that some of the returnees had minor health concerns such as coughs and were promptly treated.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other agencies have provided relief items to support the returnees in the immediate term. “From NADMO, we are giving them relief items to sustain them until they get back on their feet,” she added.

Ms Ocloo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful reintegration of all affected persons, describing them as “brothers and sisters” who must be supported to rebuild their lives in Ghana.

The broader challenge, however, remains. Ghanaian communities across West Africa continue to face periodic displacement triggered by enforcement actions, land disputes and policy shifts in host nations. The government’s ability to respond swiftly and provide meaningful reintegration support will be tested repeatedly as these patterns persist.

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