The Government of Ghana has repatriated 228 citizens from the neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire, after they were affected by an ongoing mass demolition exercise being undertaken by authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality, Abidjan.
Confirming their return home on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday, saying arrangements have been concluded for 99 others who had remained behind to be transported home today.
“All 327 Ghanaian nationals were previously residing in areas affected by the demolition exercise and became stranded, having lost their sources of livelihood and lacking the means to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d'Ivoire,” the Ministry said.
The affected Ghanaians had pleaded with the government to assist them in getting back home after the demolitions rendered them homeless.
The government is transporting them back home by road after providing buses and trucks to carry them and their belongings back to Ghana.
“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. To this effect, Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan will continue to carry out the much-needed coordination,” the statement added.
This is as the state works on modalities to provide the necessary support to ensure the successful return and reintegration of the affected citizens.
The government of Côte d'Ivoire has defended the demolitions that have caused anger and frustration as aimed at removing unsafe structures, restoring urban order, and protecting lives in areas vulnerable to flooding.
“The government insists they are necessary as Abidjan continues to expand rapidly. With the city's population estimated at between six and seven million people, authorities say clearing homes from flood-prone and unregulated areas is essential to prevent future disasters and improve urban planning,” local media reports said.
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