The Government of Ghana, in partnership 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, as authorities intensify efforts to protect citizens abroad and strengthen migration management.
The repatriation exercise, carried out on Tuesday, July 14, forms part of the government’s broader policy of promoting “safe, orderly and regular migration” while expanding support for stranded Ghanaians through humanitarian assistance and long-term reintegration programmes.
The returnees arrived at the Accra International Airport in two batches and were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Health Service and other agencies responsible for migrant protection.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation reflects the longstanding collaboration between Ghana and IOM to provide “safe, orderly and dignified return” for nationals stranded in conflict-affected and high-risk transit countries, particularly Libya.
Following their arrival, the returnees underwent immigration and health screening before receiving immediate humanitarian support, including food, psychosocial care and transportation assistance.
The ministry said the migrants would also be enrolled in reintegration programmes designed to support their economic recovery through livelihood assistance, vocational skills training and other socio-economic empowerment interventions, subject to individual assessments.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and acknowledged IOM and other partners for their continued support in facilitating voluntary humanitarian returns and promoting the successful reintegration of returnees.
The ministry also urged prospective migrants to pursue “legal migration pathways” and avoid the risks associated with irregular migration and human smuggling networks, stressing the importance of informed migration decisions.
It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue working closely with IOM, Ghana’s diplomatic missions and relevant national institutions to strengthen consular assistance for Ghanaians in distress while advancing efforts to promote regular and well-managed migration.
