Ghanaians repatriated from Port-Bouët, a municipality in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following an ongoing demolition exercise, are appealing to the Government of Ghana for support to facilitate their reintegration into their respective communities.
The group, comprising 43 individuals who had been residing in an area known as Zimbabwe in Port-Bouët, was received by the Western Regional Coordinating Council after their return to Ghana.
Speaking to ConnectNews, some of the returnees indicated that residents of the community had been informed approximately three years ago that a planned road construction project could affect the area.
According to them, without any further notice, demolition activities commenced on June 2 when authorities moved into the community with earth-moving equipment.
One of the returnees recounted the experience, stating: “I was born and raised there, and my mother owns property in the area. About three years ago, we were informed that the land had been acquired and that the community could be affected. On June 2, demolition activities began. In the process, many residents were unable to retrieve some of their belongings. Since then, life has been very difficult for many of us.”
Several returnees noted that rebuilding their lives in Ghana may present challenges, particularly for those whose families have lived in Port-Bouët for generations.
“Many of us have spent our entire lives there. Returning to Ghana presents a new reality, and we are appealing for support to help us settle and become self-sufficient. Assistance in the form of employment opportunities or financial support would go a long way in helping us start afresh.”
Nevertheless, the returnees expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for facilitating their return and providing assistance during the process.
The Western Regional Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dosia Owusu-Gyamfi, together with officials of the Ghana Immigration Service, spent Thursday and the early hours of Friday processing the returnees.
She assured them that government institutions would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to support their successful reintegration into society.
The group of returnees comprises 17 adult males, 18 adult females, four male children and four female children.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
