144 Ghanaian Migrants Return Safely from Libya Under IOM Evacuation Programme
One hundred and forty-four Ghanaian migrants stranded in Libya have been safely returned to Ghana under the International Organisation for Migration’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) Programme.
The returnees arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in two batches about 20 minutes apart.
They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, NADMO, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders involved in migrant protection and reintegration.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation forms part of the longstanding partnership between the Government of Ghana and IOM to provide safe, orderly and dignified return for Ghanaian nationals who become stranded abroad, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk transit countries such as Libya.
Upon arrival, the returnees underwent immigration and health screening. They were also provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, psychosocial support, and transportation assistance.
The Ministry added that the returnees will be enrolled in reintegration programmes aimed at supporting their return to communities. The support will include livelihood assistance, vocational skills training, and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, based on individual assessments.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and thanked IOM and other partners for their continued support in facilitating voluntary humanitarian evacuations and promoting the safe reintegration of returnees.
It also urged prospective migrants to make informed decisions and to use legal migration pathways, while avoiding the dangers of irregular migration and human smuggling networks.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with the International Organisation for Migration, Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad and relevant national institutions to provide consular assistance to Ghanaian nationals in distress and to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting safe, orderly and regular migration,” the statement concluded.
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