The Minority in Parliament has refuted claims by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that 8,000 Ghanaian refugees displaced by the Gbinyiri conflict have returned home.
In a statement signed by Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Minority described the Minister’s account as “inaccurate and misleading.”
According to findings from a joint assessment involving UNHCR, IOM, WFP, WHO, FAO, and other humanitarian agencies, about 13,000 Ghanaians fled to Côte d’Ivoire, with Vonkoro alone currently hosting some 5,000.
Refugee leaders in Vonkoro confirmed that no mass return has taken place, contrary to the Minister’s claim.
The Minority also noted that government officials, including the Ghanaian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, have failed to properly engage with displaced citizens.
They warned that deep mistrust among affected communities means reintegration will take time.
During their solidarity visit, the Minority delegation donated CFA 2 million to the refugees and called on President Mahama to urgently restore peace in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Bole districts to ensure a safe return for the displaced.
