The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Government of Ghana, has successfully evacuated 144 stranded Ghanaian migrants from Libya.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, was executed under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, aimed at rescuing nationals caught in high-risk transit countries.
The returnees arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra in two separate batches, landing approximately 20 minutes apart.
They were received by a joint taskforce of state officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Immigration Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Other supporting agencies on the ground included the Department of Social Welfare and the Ghana Health Service.
Immediately after arrival, the returnees underwent mandatory immigration and health screenings.
They were also provided with immediate humanitarian relief, including food, psychosocial support, and emergency pocket money for transportation to their respective destinations.
Following the initial emergency phase, the returnees will be enrolled in targeted reintegration programmes.
The socioeconomic initiatives, subject to individual needs assessments, will provide the returnees with vocational training, livelihood assistance, and business setup tools to ensure self-reliance within their communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens in distress abroad, expressing gratitude to the IOM and foreign missions for facilitating the safe, orderly, and dignified evacuation.
Meanwhile, state authorities have renewed calls urging prospective Ghanaian travellers to avoid dangerous smuggling networks and irregular migration routes through the desert. The government advised citizens to strictly utilise legal and regular migration pathways to guarantee their safety and well-being.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
