Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has disclosed that more than 13,000 Ghanaians have crossed into Côte d'Ivoire following violence linked to the Gbinyiri land dispute.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Thursday, September 4, 2025, and monitored by GhanaWeb, the minister said figures from Ivorian authorities put the number at 13,253.

"As of yesterday, working with the Ivorian authorities, we can confirm that about 13,000 individuals are in Côte d'Ivoire. The exact number communicated to us by the government is 13,253," he stated.

The minister noted that the violence has displaced people across four regions, with some seeking shelter in parts of the Upper West and Savannah regions. In contrast, many others crossed into Côte d'Ivoire.

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"We have displaced persons across about four regions; a substantial number also crossed the river. If you know the terrain very well, it has a border community with Côte d'Ivoire," he explained.

Muntaka assured that the government, district assemblies, and international partners are coordinating relief efforts.

He also expressed appreciation to the Ivorian government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for their support.

"We are supporting them the best that we can and let me take this opportunity to also thank the government of Côte d'Ivoire for the support that they are giving us in the cooperation, and then the UNHCR for their support," he said.

He further commended Ghana's security services for their sacrifices in managing the crisis.

"My special thanks go to them because, believe me, they have been oversweat. We thank them so much for the sacrifice that they are making. We don't take their sacrifices lightly. We know they are doing the best that they can to keep our country safe," he noted.

According to him, the government is also engaging traditional authorities in the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

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MRA/SEA

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