Gbinyiri conflict: 'About 8,000 Ghanaians who fled to Côte d’Ivoire return' — Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that about 8,000 Ghanaians who fled the deadly conflict in Gbinyiri in the Savannah Region have safely returned home.

The violent clashes, sparked by a land dispute, have so far claimed at least 31 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 residents since they erupted on August 24.

Reports indicate that more than 13,000 Ghanaians initially crossed into neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to seek safety.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, Mr Ablakwa said plans are underway to bring back the remaining nationals.

“About 8,000 out of 13,253 Ghanaian refugees from the Gbinyiri crisis have safely returned home. The latest census reveals that 5,309 Ghanaians remain in Côte d’Ivoire,” he stated.

The minister’s update follows a two-day working visit to Côte d’Ivoire to assess the welfare of citizens who fled across the border during the unrest.

In a social media post after his return on Friday, September 12, Mr Ablakwa assured that the safety of Ghanaians remains a key priority of the Mahama administration.

“The welfare and safety of all Ghanaians everywhere in the world shall continue to be a priority of the Mahama administration,” he said.