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Ghana Welcomes 163 Migrants Returning Voluntarily from Libya

 Ghana Welcomes 163 Migrants Returning Voluntarily from Libya

Picture Credit: IOM Ghana

 Last week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Government of Ghana, facilitated the voluntary return of 163 Ghanaian migrants from Libya. The group, which arrived via charter flight, included 36 individuals with medical conditions who received immediate assistance at a post-arrival medical desk set up at the Kotoka International Airport.

This operation marked the ninth charter flight of 2024 under the Migration Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), a European Union-funded initiative aimed at supporting migrants through safe returns and sustainable reintegration.

The smooth coordination of the return was made possible through the collective efforts of several Ghanaian government agencies, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). Together with IOM, these stakeholders ensured that the migrants received a dignified welcome and comprehensive support upon their arrival.

“IOM’s collaboration with the Government of Ghana is critical to ensuring the safe and humane return of migrants,” an IOM spokesperson said. “Beyond return logistics, we are committed to supporting their reintegration into society to foster sustainable development and prevent irregular migration.”

Picture Credit: IOM Ghana
The returning migrants are among thousands who have found themselves stranded in Libya while attempting dangerous migration routes to Europe. Many face harsh conditions, including detention, exploitation, and limited access to basic services. For some, the decision to return home voluntarily through the assistance of the IOM is a critical step toward rebuilding their lives.

At the post-arrival medical desk, the 36 individuals with health concerns underwent immediate evaluation and care provided by the Ghana Health Service. Meanwhile, officials from the Ghana Immigration Service conducted registration and documentation checks to ensure all returnees were accounted for and properly processed.

The returnees will now enter the reintegration phase, which includes psychosocial support, vocational training, and small-business grants to help them reestablish livelihoods in their communities. This approach, according to IOM, is designed to address the root causes of irregular migration and promote long-term community resilience.

The programme is part of a broader European Union initiative in collaboration with IOM to address migration challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. It reflects a shared commitment to fostering humane and orderly migration while addressing the social and economic vulnerabilities that drive irregular migration.

“This initiative goes beyond returning migrants safely. It’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunities for reintegration,” said an EU official in Ghana. “We look forward to continued collaboration with our Ghanaian partners and the IOM in achieving this goal.”

The operation also underscores the importance of multilateral partnerships, with organizations such as the United Nations and IOM offices in West and Central Africa playing pivotal roles in facilitating returns and reintegration.

As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges of migration, the IOM and its partners remain steadfast in their mission to ensure that returnees not only arrive home safely but are equipped with the tools to rebuild their futures.

Source: IOM Ghana

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