Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has shared updates from his recent three-day working visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where he engaged with Ghanaians displaced by communal conflict.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Ablakwa urged the remaining 5,309 Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire to return home, following the approximately 8,000 who have already come back.
“Images of my visit to our compatriots in Côte d’Ivoire following my 3-day working visit. I urged the remaining 5,309 to return home just as some 8,000 others who fled the communal conflict have done,” Ablakwa wrote.
He expressed gratitude to Ivorian authorities for their support and hospitality, saying: “Immensely grateful to our Ivorian neighbors for their exceptional hospitality and compassion.”
Ablakwa also highlighted Ghana’s ongoing relief efforts, adding: “Government continues to support with relief items. I also presented a cash donation on behalf of President Mahama. Every Ghanaian everywhere is valuable to the Mahama Administration.”
Reflecting on the significance of regional solidarity, Ablakwa recalled past efforts;
“While we must do everything in our power to prevent conflicts, it is heartwarming to observe how our neighboring countries look out for each other when there are internal challenges— in 2010 and 2011 Ghana hosted some 17,000 Ivorians who sought refuge in our country.”
He concluded by saying; “May we work to end communal clashes, and may our regional solidarity grow stronger.”
