Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that 1,455 Ghanaians displaced by the Gbinyiri conflict remain in Burkina Faso, marking a significant decrease from the peak figure of 2,500.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, Mr. Ablakwa stated that he had engaged with his Burkinabe counterpart, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, to ensure the continued welfare of the affected individuals.
“I have also engaged my Burkinabe counterpart, His Excellency Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, on the welfare of our displaced compatriots who are about 1,455, a reduction from the tally of 2,500 refugees during the peak of the conflict,” he said.
The displacement stems from a violent land dispute in the Gbinyiri area, which forced thousands of residents to flee to neighbouring countries for safety.
Mr. Ablakwa also provided an update on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, revealing that 8,000 Ghanaians have safely returned home, while 5,309 remain in that country.
As part of efforts to support displaced citizens, the Foreign Minister delivered a message of peace and reconciliation from President John Mahama and announced a donation of CFA 6 million to address urgent humanitarian needs and aid in the safe return of those still in exile.
