Accra: About 8,000 Ghanaian refugees have safely returned home from the Ivory Coast, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, has revealed. Mr Ablakwa noted that the latest census conducted revealed that of the 13,253 displaced Ghanaians, who originally sought refuge in the Ivory Coast, there were 5,309 remaining in the Ivory Coast.
According to Ghana News Agency, in an update at the Government Accountability Series press conference at the Presidency in Accra, the Minister expressed the Government's deep concern over the recent clashes in Gbinyiri in the Savannah Region of Ghana near the borders with the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The clashes have resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of Ghanaians in both countries.
Mr. Ablakwa directed Ghana's embassies in the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso to collaborate with Ivorian and Burkinabe authorities to provide necessary consular assistance. He had personally visited the Ivory Coast since Friday, 12th September 2025, and returned to Accra only that morning. During his three-day working visit, he held discussions with his Ivorian counterpart, Mr Kacou Houadja Leon Adom, about the displaced Ghanaians in the Ivory Coast.
After the talks, he led a team to the Bounkani Region of the Ivory Coast, where some 13,253 displaced 'compatriots' originally sought refuge. His visit aimed to convey a special message from President Mahama, assess the situation for further consular assistance, express gratitude to Ivorian counterparts, and offer immediate assistance.
Mr. Ablakwa delivered a message from President Mahama, urging peace and forgiveness, and encouraging compatriots to return home as the Government had restored security and normalcy. On behalf of President Mahama, he donated 6 million CFA to address urgent humanitarian needs and facilitate logistical requirements for their return. This donation was separate from other relief items provided through the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
He further engaged with his Burkinabe counterpart, Hon. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, regarding the welfare of the 1,455 displaced compatriots in the Kpuere area, a reduction from the peak tally of 2,500 refugees. The Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso expressed satisfaction with the trend of Ghanaian refugees returning home.
Ghana's Foreign Ministry remains committed to protecting the welfare of its citizens abroad and will continue to work with Ghanaian, Ivorian, and Burkinabe authorities to provide necessary assistance. Mr. Ablakwa assured that no Ghanaian in distress would be ignored by the Mahama Administration.
He thanked the governments and peoples of the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, emphasizing the importance of being welcoming to African compatriots. The Foreign Ministers recalled Ghana's history of providing refuge to people from various countries, highlighting the reciprocal nature of support among African nations.
