Africa-Press – Ghana. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has affirmed that there is credible evidence of Ghanaians seeking refuge in Côte d’Ivoire following violent clashes in Gbenyiri in the Savannah Region.
His statement came in response to a debate sparked by concerns over the internal displacement and cross-border migration caused by the conflict.
The issue was first raised by Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, who called on the Interior Minister to brief the House on the Gbenyiri conflict and its humanitarian consequences.
Mr Shaib emphasized the need for transparency and swift government intervention, citing reports of migration into neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
However, Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, challenged the claim made by Mr Shaib, stating that there were no Ghanaians currently in Côte d’Ivoire as refugees.
Mr Agbodza’s assertion prompted Speaker Bagbin to intervene, providing clarity on the matter.
According to Mr Bagbin, official reports and diplomatic communications confirmed that thousands of Ghanaians had crossed the border into Côte d’Ivoire to escape the violence.
This aligned with recent disclosures from the Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, who confirmed that over 13,000 Ghanaians fled to Côte d’Ivoire following clashes that erupted on August 24 over a disputed parcel of land.
The conflict had affected multiple districts, including Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, and displaced residents from the Savannah, Upper West, and Bono East regions.
In response, the Ghanaian government has engaged with Ivorian authorities to monitor the situation and provide support to the displaced.
Speaker Bagbin’s remarks underscored the importance of relying on verified data and intergovernmental reports when addressing sensitive national issues.
He urged MPs to remain united in seeking solutions and to prioritize the welfare of affected citizens.
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