Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has disclosed that more than 65 percent of Ghanaians who fled to neighboring Ivory Coast during the Gbeniyiri conflict have now returned home.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Minister said peacebuilding efforts by the government, in collaboration with traditional authorities, are gradually restoring confidence among displaced residents.
The violent clashes, sparked by a land dispute, claimed six lives—five on Sunday, August 24, and another the following morning. Eighteen others sustained injuries, some critically, while several homes and properties were destroyed, forcing many residents, especially women and children, to seek refuge across the border.
Mr. Mubarak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in Gbeniyiri and neighboring communities, adding that security forces remain on the ground to maintain order as mediation processes progress.
“I can tell you today that more than 65% of the people have returned home. Our biggest concern, however, remains those still outside the borders. Many are already coming back, but we want to facilitate the process to make it even faster.
“We are receiving strong cooperation from the chiefs and the youth. We have set ourselves a target: by the end of the month, when the committee completes its work, we should be able to bring almost everyone back home,” he said.
The Gbeniyiri conflict, which displaced thousands, has drawn widespread concern from civil society and humanitarian groups, who continue to urge accelerated interventions to secure the area and support affected families.
