The Government of Ghana has intensified humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding efforts to support citizens displaced by the Gbinyiri conflict, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa personally delivering relief items and financial aid during his recent visit to Côte d’Ivoire.
The conflict, rooted in a land dispute in Gbinyiri, forced thousands of Ghanaians to flee into neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, many of them women and children who were left in vulnerable conditions.
Presidential Message of Peace
Mr. Ablakwa, while addressing displaced Ghanaians, conveyed President John Mahama’s message of peace, reconciliation, and assurance of security back home.
“I delivered a special message from President Mahama — one of peace and forgiveness, and an appeal to our citizens to return home now that security has been reinforced and calm restored,” he said.
Direct Humanitarian Intervention
In a move to ease immediate hardships and facilitate safe return, the Minister presented CFA 6 million on behalf of President Mahama to cover urgent logistical and humanitarian needs. He stressed that this support was in addition to relief packages already provided through the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), including food, blankets, medicines, and clean water.
Reducing Displacement, Restoring Hope
According to the Minister, government interventions have already yielded results, with nearly 8,000 Ghanaians voluntarily returning home. Current census data indicates that 5,309 citizens remain in Côte d’Ivoire, a significant reduction from the 13,253 initially displaced.
Long-Term Commitment
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the government’s efforts go beyond emergency relief, pointing to ongoing mediation and peacebuilding engagements aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and preventing future displacement.
“The government remains committed to reconciliation and rebuilding trust within Gbinyiri and surrounding areas. Our focus is to ensure citizens return to not just a peaceful community, but a stronger one,” he assured.
