Source: Africa Publicity
A total of 8,000 Ghanaian refugees have returned to their country from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
Speaking at the Ghanaian Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15, 2025, Ablakwa said despite the return of the 8,000 refugees, some 5,309 Ghanaians remain in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ghanaians ran to Côte d’Ivoire to seek refuge in the wake of the Gbinyiri conflict.
But Ablakwa stated that “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 started over a land dispute in the Gbinyiri area, forcing thousands to flee across the border, with most settling in makeshift conditions in northern Côte d’Ivoire.
While on his official visit to Côte d’Ivoire, according to Ablakwa, he delivered a message of peace and reconciliation from President John Mahama, urging displaced citizens to return home.
He says “I delivered a special message from President Mahama — a message of peace and forgiveness, and a message appealing to all our compatriots to return home since government has beefed up security and ensured that normalcy is restored.”
He disclosed that to support the humanitarian needs and encourage voluntary return, on behalf of President Mahama, he donated CFA 6 million to assist with logistics and urgent necessities.
According to him, “On behalf of President Mahama, I donated CFA 6 million to cover urgent humanitarian needs and to facilitate logistical requirements for their safe return home. This donation is distinct from other relief items including food, water, blankets and medicines already provided through NADMO.”