The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has facilitated the safe return of 180 Ghanaian nationals from Libya. The returnees, comprising 153 males and 27 females, including children and infants, arrived in Ghana on September 24, 2026. This repatriation effort is part of ongoing initiatives to assist vulnerable Ghanaians stranded or seeking to return home. The returnees were received by ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Mohammed Lawan Gana, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The repatriation process was announced in a Facebook post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. The Ministry, IOM, and ECOWAS have been working together to facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of Ghanaian nationals living in vulnerable circumstances abroad. This collaboration aims to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, ensuring that Ghanaians requiring assistance can return home safely and begin the reintegration process.
Speaking to the returnees, Mohammed Lawan Gana described their safe arrival as an important step towards rebuilding their lives. He urged them to see their return as an opportunity for a fresh start and encouraged them to remain hopeful. Gana also advised them to make use of available support, particularly opportunities in skills development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood assistance.
The returnees are expected to receive further assistance from relevant authorities and partner organisations to support their transition and wellbeing. This assistance will help them settle back into their lives in Ghana and access necessary resources. The Ghanaian government's efforts to support its citizens abroad demonstrate its commitment to protecting and assisting its nationals in need.
The repatriation of the 180 Ghanaian nationals from Libya is part of a larger effort to support Ghanaians in vulnerable situations abroad. In a related development, 144 Ghanaians stranded in Libya returned home under an IOM humanitarian programme. These efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS to supporting Ghanaians abroad.
The collaboration between the Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS has been instrumental in facilitating the safe return of Ghanaian nationals from Libya. This partnership highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing migration challenges. By working together, these organisations can provide critical support to vulnerable migrants and promote safe and orderly migration.
The return of the 180 Ghanaian nationals from Libya marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to support its citizens abroad. The government, IOM, and ECOWAS will continue to work together to provide assistance to Ghanaians in need, ensuring their safe return and reintegration into society.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government, IOM, and ECOWAS collaborated to repatriate 180 Ghanaians from Libya.
- The returnees received assistance and support to facilitate their transition and wellbeing.
- The repatriation effort is part of a larger initiative to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.
