The Government of Ghana has repatriated 327 Ghanaian nationals who were stranded in Port Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire, following a demolition exercise that displaced residents and left many without 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 areas impacted by an ongoing mass demolition exercise being carried out by authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan.
According to the Ministry, the demolition rendered many of the affected individuals stranded after they lost their means of livelihood and were unable to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ministry disclosed that it had facilitated the safe return of 228 Ghanaian nationals, who arrived in Ghana on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Arrangements were also completed for the remaining returnees to travel home on Friday, June 12, bringing the total number of repatriated Ghanaians to 327.
To support the exercise, the Government of Ghana provided buses and trucks free of charge to transport the returnees and their belongings from Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana.
“The Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey our nationals and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely,” the statement noted.
The Ministry further revealed that Ivorian authorities had expressed their intention to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise. It stated that Ghana would continue engaging with authorities in Côte d’Ivoire 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 said.
The Ministry indicated that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan would continue coordinating efforts and engaging relevant stakeholders to address the situation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians abroad, the Ministry pledged continued support to facilitate the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals.
“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 authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation process and assured the public that further updates would be provided when necessary.
