Ghana evacuates over 500 citizens displaced by Abidjan demolition exercise

The Government of Ghana has repatriated 228 Ghanaian nationals stranded in Côte d'Ivoire following a mass demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan.

The returnees arrived in Ghana on Thursday, June 11, after losing their homes and sources of livelihood as a result of the ongoing demolitions being undertaken by Ivorian authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says arrangements have also been completed to bring home an additional 327 affected Ghanaians on Friday, June 12.

"We are pleased to disclose that we have already facilitated the repatriation of two hundred and twenty-eight (228) Ghanaian nationals. These returnees arrived in Ghana, yesterday, Thursday, 11th June, 2026," the Ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday, June 12.

According to the Ministry, all the affected Ghanaians had been living in communities impacted by the demolition exercise and were left stranded after losing their means of livelihood and accommodation.

To support their return, the government has provided buses and trucks to transport both the returnees and their belongings to Ghana at no cost.

The Ministry further revealed that the Ivorian authorities have indicated their willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise.

"The Government of Ghana remains committed to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians and will intensify efforts to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals," the statement noted.

The Ministry noted that Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to engage the Ivorian authorities and coordinate efforts to ensure affected nationals receive the compensation being considered.