By Jones Anlimah
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as inconsistencies and misrepresentations in the recent report presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the situation of displaced Ghanaians seeking refuge in Vonkoro, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a press statement signed by the Deputy Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the Minority explained that while the Minister’s report indicated that about 5,000 out of 18,000 Ghanaians had returned home, their own fact-finding mission painted a different picture.
The Minority’s account, which relied on figures from the Multisectoral Rapid Assessment of the Humanitarian Impact of the conflict in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Bole Districts of the Savannah Region, estimated the number of displaced Ghanaians to be closer to 10,000. Agencies including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), and the Ghana Refugee Board were cited as sources.
According to the Minority, their visit revealed that most refugees were concentrated in Vonkoro, with others scattered across Burkina Faso and villages such as Daghokura, Gbogbegu, Tchomiwukura, Masinteen, and others. They stressed that the situation on the ground contradicted the Foreign Minister’s submission to Parliament.
The Minority delegation, led by Hon. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, also met with local authorities in Bole and Vonkoro, including assembly members and camp leaders, to ascertain the exact state of affairs. During the visit, they donated CFA 2 million to support the refugees and reiterated their call for stronger government action to restore peace and ensure the safe return of the displaced citizens.
They further accused the government of failing to act decisively to prevent the outbreak of conflict in Gberinyiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, which they said has now resulted in widespread displacement.
The statement called on John Mahama, to expedite measures aimed at restoring peace in the affected communities and ensure the safe and dignified return of the refugees.
The Minority emphasized its commitment to standing in solidarity with the displaced Ghanaians and supporting efforts to build a peaceful and secure nation.
