Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has held what he described as “fruitful telephone conversations” with his counterparts in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire regarding the welfare of Ghanaians displaced by recent communal conflict.

The discussions, which took place while Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa was on official duties in Ethiopia, centred on the hospitality extended to Ghanaian nationals who fled into the two neighbouring countries.

In a statement, the Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Kacou Houadja Léon Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Diaspora, for what he called their “true Pan-African solidarity” and commitment to ECOWAS free movement protocols.

According to Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa, the engagements produced a three-point roadmap:

Assistance for Return – Both countries pledged to ensure Ghanaian nationals are cared for and supported to return home.

Embassy Coordination – Urgent meetings between Ghana’s embassy officials and the foreign ministries in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire will be held to enhance welfare and safety arrangements.

Ministerial Visits – The two Foreign Ministers agreed to facilitate Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa’s upcoming working visits to interact directly with affected Ghanaians. They also offered to accompany his delegation once he concludes high-level commitments in Ethiopia led by Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa emphasised that President John Mahama’s administration “will continue to care for all Ghanaians and will not leave anyone behind.”

He also renewed calls for lasting peace within Ghana and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Pan-African ideals.

“May we, in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African integration, continue to open our borders to fellow Africans as Ghana has always championed, even as we pursue the dream of a borderless Africa,” the Minister said.

The move comes as regional efforts intensify to safeguard displaced persons amid rising communal tensions in parts of West Africa.