Government, IOM facilitate return of 144 Ghanaians from Libya

The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the voluntary return of 144 Ghanaian migrants from Libya under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) Programme.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the returnees arrived at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, in two separate batches.

According to the ministry, the exercise forms part of an ongoing partnership between the government and the IOM to assist Ghanaian nationals stranded in conflict-affected and high-risk migration destinations, particularly Libya.

The ministry said the returnees underwent immigration and health screening upon arrival before receiving immediate support, including food, psychosocial care and transportation.

It added that the returnees will also benefit from reintegration programmes designed to help them rebuild their lives.

"They will also be enrolled in reintegration programmes aimed at supporting their successful return to their communities through livelihood assistance, vocational skills training and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, subject to individual assessments," the ministry stated.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad and expressed appreciation to the IOM and its partners for supporting the safe return and reintegration of the migrants.

The ministry also urged Ghanaians seeking opportunities overseas to use regular migration channels and avoid the risks associated with irregular migration and human smuggling.

It said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with the IOM, Ghana's diplomatic missions and other relevant state institutions to provide assistance to Ghanaians in distress abroad while promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.