Over 13,000 Ghanaians flee to Côte d’Ivoire after Gbinyiri clashes

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

More than 13,000 Ghanaians have crossed into Côte d’Ivoire following violent clashes in Gbinyiri, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has disclosed.

Providing the latest update on Thursday, 4 September, the minister said figures received from Ivorian authorities placed the number of Ghanaian refugees at 13,253.

“As of yesterday, working with the Ivorian authorities, we can confirm that about 13,000 individuals are in Côte d’Ivoire. The exact number communicated to us by their government is 13,253,” Mr Muntaka stated.

The minister explained that the violence has affected communities across four regions, with many residents displaced internally in the Upper West and Savannah Regions, while others fled across the border.

“We have displaced persons across about four regions… a substantial number also crossed the river. If you know the terrain very well, it is a border community with Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.

Support for affected communities

Mr Muntaka assured that government is collaborating with local assemblies, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the Ivorian government to provide relief to the displaced.

“We are supporting them the best we can, and let me take this opportunity to thank the government of Côte d’Ivoire for the support they are giving us in this cooperation, and also the UNHCR for their assistance,” he noted.

The minister commended Ghana’s security services for their efforts in preventing further escalation.

“My special thanks go to them because, believe me, they have been overstretched. We thank them so much for the sacrifices they are making. We do not take their efforts lightly. We know they are doing the best they can to keep our country safe,” he noted.

Peace efforts and the way forward

Mr Muntaka revealed that the government is actively engaging traditional leaders and the National Peace Council to restore calm.

“This morning, the delegation of the Gonjaland leadership, together with the Peace Council, is meeting the Yagbonwura. I am very optimistic about the way we are working. Hopefully by tomorrow, or at least by Monday, we will set up a committee to investigate all this and come out with a report on how best we can prevent a recurrence,” he explained.

The minister further indicated that authorities were considering a safe return of displaced families soon, particularly to safeguard the farming season and prevent food insecurity.

“Once we sit with the committee and today’s meeting with the Yagbonwura concludes positively, we may be able to announce to all displaced persons to return to their homes. Many of them left their animals and farms unattended. If we do not resolve this quickly, it will lead to significant food insecurity in the area,” he warned.

The minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to working tirelessly with all traditional authorities to ensure that normalcy is restored.