The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the safe return of 144 Ghanaian migrants from Libya under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) Programme.
The returnees arrived at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in two batches approximately 20 minutes apart. They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Health Service, and other key stakeholders involved in migrant protection and reintegration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation forms part of the longstanding partnership between the Government of Ghana and the IOM to ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return of Ghanaian nationals stranded abroad, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk transit countries such as Libya.
Upon arrival, the returnees underwent immigration and health screening before receiving immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, psychosocial support, and transportation.
The migrants will also be enrolled in reintegration programmes designed to support their successful return to their communities. These programmes include livelihood assistance, vocational skills training, and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, subject to individual assessments.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad and expressed appreciation to the IOM and its partners for their continued support in facilitating voluntary humanitarian return operations and the reintegration of returning migrants.
It also reiterated the importance of safe and regular migration, urging prospective migrants to use legal migration channels and avoid the risks associated with irregular migration and human smuggling networks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to work closely with the IOM, Ghana’s diplomatic missions, and other relevant institutions to provide consular assistance to Ghanaians in distress and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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