Ghana Steps Up Efforts to Repatriate Stranded Citizens from Côte d’Ivoire

The Government of Ghana has successfully repatriated 327 Ghanaian nationals who were left stranded in Port Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire. This mass repatriation follows a demolition exercise undertaken by authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan, which displaced numerous residents and left many without homes and essential means of livelihood. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on June 12, 2026, confirmed that the affected Ghanaians were among those severely impacted by these ongoing demolitions.

According to the Ministry, the demolition exercise rendered the affected individuals without their sources of income and unable to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire. The repatriation efforts were meticulously coordinated, with the initial batch of 228 Ghanaian nationals arriving safely in Ghana on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Arrangements were finalized for the remaining individuals to return home on Friday, June 12, bringing the total number of repatriated Ghanaian nationals to 327. To ensure their safe return, the Government of Ghana provided buses and trucks for the free transportation of both the returnees and their belongings from Côte d’Ivoire.

Furthermore, the Ministry revealed that Ivorian authorities had expressed their intention to compensate the victims of the demolition exercise. The Government of Ghana has pledged to remain actively engaged with Côte d’Ivoire to ensure that the promised compensation is duly paid to the affected Ghanaian nationals. Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to coordinate efforts and engage with all relevant stakeholders on this critical issue.

The Government of Ghana reiterated its unwavering commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians living abroad. It pledged to intensify efforts to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful return and reintegration of all affected individuals. The Ministry also extended its appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all other stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating this extensive repatriation process, assuring the public that further updates would be communicated as needed.

Adding to these assurances, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, confirmed that the Ghanaian government would provide comprehensive support for the repatriated nationals. Speaking to the media, Ms. Ocloo emphasized the government's commitment to assisting them in smoothly reintegrating into society and rebuilding their lives after such a challenging experience. She explained that the repatriation became imperative when many Ghanaian residents were left stranded and without livelihoods due to the demolition activities.

Minister Ocloo elaborated on the specific support measures being implemented. Officials are actively compiling data on all returnees to ensure they receive coordinated assistance, which includes providing transportation to their respective hometowns. Upon arrival, the returnees underwent medical screening conducted by health professionals, including doctors and and nurses; some with minor health concerns, such as coughs, were promptly treated. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other agencies have also provided essential relief items to support the returnees in the immediate term. Madam Ocloo confirmed that while 303 returnees were officially received, others are located in various parts of the country, including Greater Accra, Takoradi, Cape Coast, and the Eastern Region.

Madam Ocloo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring the successful reintegration of all affected persons, describing them as