More than 13,000 Ghanaians who fled to neighbouring Ivory Coast after the Gbinyiri conflict in the Savannah Region say they are in dire need of food, clothing, and shelter as their situation grows increasingly desperate.
The refugees, scattered across communities in the Bourkani Region of Ivory Coast, escaped the August 23 violence that left about 30 people dead and destroyed homes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. Many crossed the border with nothing, relying heavily on relief aid to survive.
According to the Savannah Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Mahama Zakaria, the displaced families urgently require mosquito repellents, clothing, foodstuffs, and other basic items. He noted that although NADMO and its partners have provided initial supplies, the numbers are overwhelming and the needs keep rising.
“NADMO, with support from partners, has presented foodstuffs, mosquito repellents, clothes, and consumables to the victims, but it is far from enough. We need more support to ease their suffering,” Mr. Zakaria told the Ghana News Agency.
The refugees have commended Ivorian authorities for opening their doors, but say conditions remain harsh as resources are stretched thin.
Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe, has visited the affected families in Ivory Coast to reassure them of government’s commitment to ending the conflict and restoring peace in Gbinyiri so they can safely return home.
For now, however, the displaced Ghanaians continue to wait, clinging to survival in difficult conditions and appealing for urgent humanitarian assistance.
