Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Government Repatriates 327 Ghanaians Displaced by Demolitions in Côte d’Ivoire

Hundreds of Ghanaian migrants affected by a demolition exercise in Abidjan are being assisted to return home as authorities pursue compensation discussions with Côte d’Ivoire.

ACCRA, Ghana — The Government of Ghana has repatriated 327 Ghanaian nationals stranded in Côte d’Ivoire following a demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan that displaced residents and destroyed homes and sources of livelihood, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said 228 affected Ghanaians had already arrived safely in Ghana on Thursday, June 11, while arrangements were completed for the remaining 99 nationals to return on Friday, June 12.

According to the ministry, the affected individuals had been living in communities impacted by an ongoing demolition exercise undertaken by authorities in Port Bouët and became stranded after losing their homes and means of livelihood. “The Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey our nationals and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely,” the ministry said in a statement.

Emergency Consular Intervention

The repatriation forms part of a broader effort by Ghanaian authorities to provide emergency support to citizens affected by the situation and facilitate their safe return and reintegration. Officials said many of those affected were unable to secure alternative accommodation following the demolitions, prompting intervention by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said Ghana’s embassy in Côte d’Ivoire would continue coordinating with local authorities and stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to support the affected nationals and address outstanding concerns.

Compensation Discussions Underway

The government also disclosed that Ivorian authorities had expressed willingness to compensate individuals affected by the demolition exercise. According to the ministry, Ghana will remain actively engaged with authorities in Côte d’Ivoire to ensure that any compensation promised to affected Ghanaian nationals is delivered. Officials said Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan would continue to coordinate discussions relating to compensation and welfare support.

Strong Bilateral Ties

The incident comes against the backdrop of longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which host large migrant communities on both sides of the border. Thousands of Ghanaians live and work in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in trade, transportation, construction and informal economic activities. The situation has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant communities when major urban redevelopment projects affect informal settlements and low-income neighbourhoods.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and other stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise. It also reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad and supporting their reintegration following their return home.