The Gbenyiri clashes in the Savannah Region have sparked widespread concern as deadly violence near Ghana’s borders with Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso has resulted in loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of Ghanaians.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured the public that the government is taking urgent steps to protect affected citizens and restore stability to the troubled areas.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, 2025, the Minister expressed the government’s deep concern about the situation, emphasizing that immediate action was taken to provide assistance to those affected.
He revealed that Ghana’s embassies in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso have been directed to work closely with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts and ensure the welfare of displaced Ghanaians.
“In addition, I have personally been to Côte d’Ivoire since Friday, the 12th of September, 2025. Indeed, I am returning to Accra only this morning. During my three-day working visit, I held discussions with my Ivorian counterpart, His Excellency Kacou Houadja Leon Adom, about the displaced Ghanaians in Cote d’Ivoire.
“After the talks, I led a team to the Bounkani region, where some 13,253 displaced compatriots originally sought refuge.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The visit, he explained, had multiple objectives: to deliver a special message from President John Dramani Mahama, evaluate the needs of displaced citizens for additional consular support, and express Ghana’s gratitude to Ivorian authorities for their cooperation and assistance.
Over 8,000 Displaced Gbenyiri Citizens Safely Return Home
Hon. Samuel Ablakwa revealed that significant progress has been made in returning displaced citizens to Ghana.
According to the latest census, the number of Ghanaians seeking refuge in Côte d’Ivoire has dropped dramatically from 13,253 to 5,309, with over 8,000 individuals already safely back home.
As part of his mission, the Foreign Minister delivered a message of peace and reconciliation from President Mahama, urging displaced citizens to return home. The government, he assured, has “beefed up security and ensured that normalcy is restored.”
To further support the repatriation process, the Minister donated six million CFA francs on behalf of President Mahama. The funds are intended to cover urgent humanitarian needs and logistics for safe transportation.
“This donation is distinct from other relief items, including food, water, blankets, and medicines already provided through NADMO [the National Disaster Management Organization].”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The situation in Burkina Faso also showed improvement. During meetings with Burkinabe Foreign Minister, His Excellency Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, Hon. Ablakwa was briefed that the number of displaced Ghanaians there had dropped from 2,500 at the height of the conflict to 1,455.
Officials in Burkina Faso expressed optimism about the continuing return of refugees to Ghana, particularly in the Gouera area in the country’s southwestern region.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens Abroad
Hon. Ablakwa reiterated the Mahama administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Ghanaians abroad. “No Ghanaian in distress anywhere in the world will be ignored by the Mahama administration,” he declared.
He expressed gratitude to the governments and people of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso for their solidarity and assistance, emphasizing that this crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of African unity.
Ghana, he noted, has a long history of providing refuge to displaced citizens from neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Niger.
In this instance, the neighboring states were simply returning a favor, embodying the spirit of African solidarity.
The Minister’s visit highlighted the government’s proactive approach to addressing the crisis and preventing further escalation.
He pledged that Ghana would continue to collaborate with relevant domestic and international partners to ensure the safe return of all displaced citizens and to maintain peace in the border communities.
A Call for Lasting Peace and Cooperation
As the government works to stabilize affected areas, Hon. Ablakwa called for calm and cooperation among all stakeholders.
He stressed that peaceful coexistence remains essential to regional stability and that the government’s security measures are designed to protect lives and property.
He also urged citizens to support displaced individuals reintegrating into their communities, emphasizing that restoring peace requires collective effort.
“Long live African solidarity,” the Minister concluded, echoing his belief that unity and compassion remain Ghana’s strongest tools in overcoming this tragedy.
The Gbenyiri clashes have served as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in border communities and the need for consistent vigilance.
As thousands make their way home, the government’s challenge will be to not only restore security but also rebuild trust and ensure that displaced citizens are supported as they rebuild their lives.
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