Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that over 8,000 Ghanaians who sought refuge in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire due to the ongoing Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region have returned to their communities in Ghana.
Speaking to the media during the Government Accountability Series, which was monitored by DAILY GUIDE, the Foreign Affairs Minister stated that about 5,309 Ghanaian nationals remain in Côte d’Ivoire, and urged them to return home, assuring them that the government has made security arrangements to ensure their safety.
“I delivered a special message from President Mahama, a message of peace and forgiveness, and appealing to all our compatriots to return home, as the government has beefed up security measures and restored normalcy,” he said.
He revealed that the government has donated 6 million CFA to facilitate their return to Ghana.
“On behalf of President Mahama, I donated 6 million CFA to cover urgent humanitarian needs and to assist with logistical requirements for their safe return. This donation is in addition to other relief items, including food, water, blankets, and medicines, which have already been provided through National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).”
Mr. Ablakwa reassured Ghanaians that his ministry is committed to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad.
“My ministry remains steadfast in protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens overseas and will continue to work tirelessly with the appropriate Ghanaian authorities, as well as with Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso authorities, to provide necessary assistance to our displaced compatriots. No Ghanaian in distress anywhere in the world will be ignored under the Mahama-led administration.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed gratitude to the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso for their support.
“This situation serves as a reminder for us to be embracing and welcoming of our African compatriots. As my fellow foreign ministers have pointed out, Ghana has always provided a safe haven for refugees from Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and many other countries, and they are more than willing to return the favour, even on a smaller scale.”
It would be recalled that Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, revealed that about 13,253 Ghanaians were seeking refuge in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire over the ongoing Gbiniyiri conflict.
The Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region occurred over a parcel of land between two factions, and has resulted in the deaths of about 31 persons, 50,000 people displaced, with several others sustaining gunshot wounds and burning of houses as well as other properties during the clash.
FROM Eric Kombat