The government of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has successfully facilitated the return of 180 Ghanaian nationals from Libya. This repatriation effort, which took place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, is part of a broader initiative to assist Ghanaian citizens in vulnerable situations abroad. The returnees, comprising 153 males and 27 females, including children and infants, were welcomed back to Ghana with support from various government agencies and partner organisations.
The return of these nationals is a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. This initiative aims to ensure that Ghanaian citizens who require assistance while abroad can return home safely and receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives. Upon arrival, the returnees were met by Mohammed Lawan Gana, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The repatriation process is not just about bringing nationals back home but also about providing them with the necessary support to reintegrate into their families and communities. Authorities and partner organisations have committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition and provide welfare support to the returnees. This includes assistance with skills development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities to help them regain economic independence.
Mohammed Lawan Gana, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, welcomed the returnees and commended the institutions and partners involved in facilitating their safe repatriation. He encouraged them to remain optimistic about their future and view their return as an opportunity to start anew rather than as a setback. Gana also urged them to take advantage of available support programmes.
The Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS have been working together to assist nationals in vulnerable situations abroad through voluntary return and reintegration programmes. This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of these organisations to promoting safe and orderly migration. The return of the 180 nationals is a significant achievement in this regard.
The returnees will receive assistance as they begin the process of reintegrating into their families and communities. This support is crucial in helping them to rebuild their lives and regain economic independence. The Ghanaian government and partner organisations will continue to work together to ensure that the returnees receive the necessary support.
The successful repatriation of the 180 Ghanaian nationals from Libya demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaboration between the Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS. Key points from this initiative include:
Key points
- The Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS collaborated to safely return 180 nationals from Libya.
- The returnees will receive support for reintegration, including assistance with skills development and livelihood opportunities.
- The initiative aims to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while ensuring nationals can return home safely.
