More than 8,000 Ghanaians who escaped the deadly clashes in Gbeniyiri, located in the Savannah Region, have now made their way back home, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Speaking exclusively to Joy News during a visit to Vonkoro — a border settlement in Côte d’Ivoire where over 13,000 Ghanaians had taken shelter — the minister disclosed the updated figures.
Blessed Sogah, Head of Joy News’ Diplomatic Desk, reported that the purpose of the minister’s trip was to offer assistance and personally encourage the remaining refugees to return.
During the visit, Mr. Ablakwa handed over a cash donation of 6 million CFA francs (approximately $9,800) from President John Mahama to those affected, urging them to go back to their communities.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring the safe reintegration of returnees and restoring peace in the conflict-hit areas.
The Gbeniyiri unrest, which has persisted for several months, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. While around 50,000 people were displaced within Ghana, about 13,000 crossed into neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to escape the violence. The homecoming of more than 8,000 refugees marks a significant milestone in the recovery process.
Mr. Ablakwa’s journey to Vonkoro was not without obstacles. An earlier attempt to reach the community by air failed, prompting him to make a second trip by road to meet the refugees in person.
The return of these individuals has been credited to the government’s ongoing peace efforts, including the recent formation of a mediation committee by Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka. These initiatives, alongside continuous peacebuilding measures, have helped create a safer environment for displaced citizens to come back.
Nevertheless, the call for the remaining 5,000 refugees to return highlights the need for sustained support and reassurance from both the Ghanaian authorities and international partners. Many of these people, having lost their homes and means of livelihood, are waiting for concrete signs of lasting peace and rehabilitation before they feel ready to return.
Source; Myjoyoline
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