Ghana repatriates hundreds stranded in Côte d'Ivoire after demolition exercise

The Ghanaian government has begun repatriating more than 300 citizens left stranded in Côte d'Ivoire after a demolition exercise by local authorities destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods in parts of Abidjan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 327 Ghanaians were affected by the operation in the Port Bouët Municipality of the Ivorian commercial capital.

The ministry said 228 of the affected nationals arrived safely in Ghana on Thursday, with arrangements completed for the remaining 99 to return on Friday.

According to the government, those affected had been living in communities targeted by the demolition exercise and were left without accommodation or a means of livelihood after their homes and businesses were destroyed.

The repatriation forms part of efforts to provide immediate support to the affected citizens and facilitate their reintegration upon their return to Ghana.

The government is also pursuing compensation for those impacted by the exercise.

In its statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Ivorian authorities had indicated their willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolitions.

"The Ministry wishes to acknowledge that Ivorian authorities have expressed their desire to compensate the victims of their demolition exercise," the statement said.

It added that Ghana would remain actively engaged with the authorities in Côte d'Ivoire to ensure that any compensation promised to affected nationals is delivered.

Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan has been tasked with coordinating discussions with Ivorian officials and monitoring developments related to the compensation process.

The ministry said it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address the welfare concerns of the affected Ghanaians and support efforts to secure redress for losses suffered during the demolition exercise.