The number of Ghanaians stranded in Libya is not yet known

By Benjamin
Mensah, GNA

Accra, July 11, GNA – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs and Regional Minister Shirley Ayokor Botchwey told Parliament that
the government has yet to establish the actual number of Ghanaians stranded in
Libya.

They did everything, however
Ghana's missions to Valletta, Malta, Tripoli and Niamey
resources available to help those who are stranded.

"The ministry is aware that there is
Ghanaians stranded in Libya who contacted the consulate in Tripoli for help. "

She added that the figure published by the
Office of the International Organization for Migration in Accra was incompatible with
provided by the IOM in Tripoli, to "our consulate in Tripoli and to
Mission to Valletta "

" This, coupled with the very volatile
situation in Libya has made it very difficult to obtain information on
number of Ghanaian nationals in that country.

Libya today has vast areas of its territory.
in the hands of rival militias operating outside the control of the
internationally recognized interim government.

The Minister answered a question about the
Libyan situation in Parliament

She said that the government would consider
the evacuation of 62 422 Ghanaians stranded in Libya if she were able to
check the exact figure provided by the IOM Accra Office.

Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament (MP)
for Builsa South, had inquired whether his ministry was aware of the reports
by IOM, 62,422 Ghanaians were stranded in Libya.

Ms. Botchwey said the conflicting figures
provided by the IOM offices in Accra and Tripoli, made
difficult for the government to make informed decisions on the way forward

Since June 2017, a total of 706 Ghanaians (661
men, 45 women) in Libya were helped to return home voluntarily
the majority of returnees, 70%, are returned from various detentions

However, the Minister stated that the Department and the
IOM has jointly repatriated about 200 Ghanaians to Ghana since April 2018.

The Ministry also opened a consulate in
Tripoli and another in Niamey to help Ghanaians who needed such a service.

GNA