Government repatriates 327 stranded Ghanaians from Côte d’Ivoire

The Government of Ghana has repatriated 327 Ghanaian nationals who were left stranded in Port Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire, after a large-scale demolition exercise by local authorities displaced residents and destroyed homes and sources of livelihood.

In a statement issued on June 12, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the affected Ghanaians were among residents living in communities impacted by an ongoing demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan.

The exercise reportedly left many residents homeless and unable to sustain themselves, prompting the Government of Ghana to intervene and facilitate their return home.

According to the Ministry, an initial group of 228 Ghanaian nationals safely returned to Ghana on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Arrangements were subsequently completed for the remaining returnees to travel back to Ghana on Friday, June 12, bringing the total number of repatriated citizens to 327.

Officials explained that many of the affected individuals lost both their accommodation and livelihoods as a result of the demolition, leaving them with limited options for survival in Côte d’Ivoire.

To support the repatriation exercise, the Government of Ghana provided buses and trucks to transport the affected nationals and their personal belongings back to Ghana at no cost.

“The Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey our nationals and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely,” the Ministry stated.

The transportation arrangement formed part of efforts to ensure the safe and orderly return of all affected citizens.

The Ministry also disclosed that authorities in Côte d’Ivoire have indicated their willingness to compensate individuals affected by the demolition exercise.

As a result, Ghanaian officials are expected to continue engaging their Ivorian counterparts to ensure that the promised compensation is paid to the affected Ghanaian nationals.

“The Ministry further wishes to acknowledge that Ivorian authorities have expressed their desire to compensate the victims of their demolition exercise and shall therefore remain actively engaged on the matter to ensure that the promised compensation is received by our affected nationals,” the statement noted.

The government says it will closely monitor the process to safeguard the interests of the affected citizens.

The Ministry revealed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue coordinating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address outstanding issues arising from the demolition exercise.

The embassy is expected to play a key role in follow-up discussions regarding compensation and any additional support required by affected nationals.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens living outside the country, the Ministry pledged continued assistance to support the reintegration of the returnees.

“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 added.

The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the government and authorities of Côte d’Ivoire, as well as other stakeholders, for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation exercise.

Officials say updates will be provided as discussions on compensation and reintegration efforts progress.