Gbeniyiri conflict: More than 65% of the people have returned home – Interior Minister

Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarack says more than 65 percent of Ghanaians who fled to Ivory Coast after the Gbeniyiri clashes have now returned home, signalling progress in the government’s peacebuilding efforts.

The Gbeniyiri conflict has displaced thousands and drawn significant concern from civil society and humanitarian organisations, who continue to call for accelerated interventions to secure the region and support affected families.

The conflict, sparked by a land dispute, turned deadly when six people lost their lives — five on Sunday, August 24, and another the following morning. Eighteen others sustained injuries, several of them critical, while homes and property were destroyed. The chaos forced hundreds, particularly women and children, to cross the border into Ivory Coast for safety.

Addressing journalists in Accra, the Minister explained that sustained mediation between traditional leaders, security agencies, and community members is gradually restoring confidence among residents who were displaced by the violence.

Mr. Muntaka assured that government remains committed to achieving lasting stability in the area, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence to preserve order as reconciliation efforts continue.

“I can tell you today that more than 65% of the people have returned home. Our biggest concern, however, remains those still outside the borders. Many are already coming back, but we want to facilitate the process to make it even faster. We are receiving strong cooperation from the chiefs and the youth. We have set ourselves a target: by the end of the month, when the committee completes its work, we should be able to bring almost everyone back home,” he said.