Ghanaian refugees displaced by the Gbinyiri conflict and now living in Vonkoro and surrounding villages in Côte d’Ivoire say they will not return until they receive firm assurances of safety from traditional and political leaders.
A delegation from the Minority side of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, visited the refugees in Vonkoro on September 18, 2025, to ascertain their conditions and confirm reports of returns.
Leader of the displaced group, Kawuro Kwasi David, stressed that only assurances from the Yagbonwura, Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, and President John Dramani Mahama will convince them it is safe to go back.
“We want to return home, but we cannot do so without being assured of our safety. If our King, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, as well as President Mahama assure us of our safety, we shall return home,” he said.
He further explained that the refugees remain uncertain about the situation in their communities, “We cannot tell if peace has prevailed now and if it will continue to be so. We cannot just wake up and leave here for our homes in Ghana when we are not sure our safety is guaranteed.”
“The Yagbonwura is our father. If he tells us, ‘my children, return home, for nothing will happen to you upon your return,’ we shall not hesitate to return home. The President must also assure us of adequate security if we return, and these are the only reasons for us to go back.”
The Gbinyiri clashes in the Savannah Region left scores dead and forced over 13,000 people across the border into Côte d’Ivoire, with others fleeing to Burkina Faso. Many of them remain in makeshift camps, uncertain about when they can safely return.
