Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed deep appreciation to the governments of Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire for their exceptional hospitality in hosting thousands of Ghanaians displaced by recent communal violence.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Ablakwa revealed that he had paused his diplomatic engagements in Ethiopia to hold urgent and fruitful telephone conversations with Hon. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Kacou Houadja Léon Adom, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on the welfare of displaced Ghanaian nationals and the need for coordinated humanitarian support.

“I conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana for their demonstration of true Pan-African solidarity and admirable belief in our ECOWAS free movement protocols,” Ablakwa stated.

The conversations produced a three-point roadmap:

1. Repatriation and Welfare: Both countries pledged to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced Ghanaians and assist in their return home.
2. Embassy Coordination: Ghanaian embassy officials in both countries will meet with host governments to explore enhanced support mechanisms.
3. Ministerial Visit: Ablakwa announced an impending working visit to Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to personally engage with affected nationals. The Foreign Ministers of both countries have agreed to accompany him during these visits.

Ablakwa emphasized that the Mahama administration remains committed to protecting all Ghanaians, regardless of where they are. He also called for lasting peace in conflict-prone areas and reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to Pan-Africanism and regional integration.

“May we in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African integration continue to open our borders to fellow Africans as Ghana has always championed,” he concluded.