By James Amoh Junior
Accra, June 12, GNA – The Government of Ghana has repatriated 327 Ghanaian migrants stranded in Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This follows an ongoing mass demolition exercise that displaced hundreds of residents and destroyed their sources of livelihood.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said 228 of the affected Ghanaians had already arrived in Ghana on Thursday, June 11.
The Ministry said arrangements had been completed for the remaining 99 nationals to return home on Friday, June 12.
The Ministry said the affected Ghanaians were residing in communities impacted by the 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 statement noted.
It said the repatriation formed part of efforts by the Government to protect the welfare of Ghanaian citizens living abroad and to provide immediate support to those affected by the demolitions.
According to the Ministry, the displaced migrants were unable to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire after the demolition exercise, prompting intervention by Ghanaian authorities.
The statement also disclosed that Ivorian authorities had indicated their willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise.
It said Ghana would remain actively engaged with the matter to ensure that the promised compensation reached the affected nationals.
“To this effect, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to carry out the much-needed coordination,” the Ministry stated.
The Government, it said, remained committed to supporting the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals and would intensify efforts to provide the necessary assistance.
The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and other stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise.
It assured the public that further updates on the situation would be communicated as necessary.
The repatriation comes amid growing concerns over the impact of urban redevelopment and demolition exercises on migrant communities in parts of West Africa, where many citizens from neighbouring countries depend on informal economic activities for their livelihoods.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire share strong diplomatic and economic relations, with thousands of Ghanaians living and working in the neighbouring country, particularly in trade, construction, transportation and other informal sectors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in recent years stepped up efforts to provide consular assistance and emergency support to Ghanaians facing difficulties abroad, including those affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian situations.
The latest intervention reflects Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens overseas and ensuring their safe return whenever circumstances require government assistance.
GNA
Edited b George-Ramsey Benamba