<p>The Government of Ghana has commenced the evacuation of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals displaced by a large-scale demolition exercise in the Port-Bouët Municipality of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.</p><p>A total of 228 affected Ghanaians arrived safely in Ghana on Thursday, June 11, after losing their homes and sources of livelihood following the demolition operation undertaken by Ivorian authorities. Arrangements have also been completed for an additional 327 nationals to return home, bringing the total number of evacuees to more than 550.</p><p>In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the affected persons had been left stranded after the destruction of their residences and businesses in communities targeted by the demolition exercise.</p><p>The Ministry indicated that buses and trucks were deployed to transport both the returnees and their belongings from Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana at no cost to the affected citizens.</p><p>Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians abroad, assuring the evacuees that efforts were underway to ensure their safe return and successful reintegration into society.</p><p>According to the Ministry, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has expressed willingness to compensate victims affected by the demolition exercise. Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan is expected to continue engagements with Ivorian authorities to facilitate discussions on compensation and support for affected nationals.</p><p>The evacuation exercise forms part of Ghana’s broader commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens wherever they may be. Government officials have emphasized that no Ghanaian in distress abroad will be abandoned.</p><p>Authorities are expected to work with relevant agencies to provide assistance to the returnees as they settle back into their communities and rebuild their livelihoods.</p><p>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ghanaians living abroad to remain in contact with Ghanaian diplomatic missions and to seek assistance whenever they encounter emergencies or humanitarian challenges</p>