A devastating land dispute in Ghana’s Savannah Region has led to a massive influx of refugees into neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. According to reports, over 14,000 Ghanaians have crossed the border into Côte d’Ivoire, while thousands more are sheltered in makeshift camps in Sawla, struggling to survive amid dire conditions.
The conflict, which began on August 24, 2025, was sparked by a long-standing disagreement over a parcel of land in Gbiniyiri. The dispute has since escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with 31 reported deaths and nearly 48,000 people displaced. The majority of the displaced are women and children, who have been forced to flee their homes with little to no belongings.
Conditions in Refugee Camps
The situation in the refugee camps is dire, with reports of food shortages, overcrowding, and lack of access to clean water and medical care. Displaced persons have described the trauma of losing their homes and watching loved ones flee in panic. Some have even drowned while attempting to cross the Black Volta River into Côte d’Ivoire.
Government Response
The Ghanaian government has responded to the crisis by deploying additional security personnel to the conflict zones and engaging traditional leaders in dialogue aimed at finding a lasting resolution. Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has confirmed that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is collecting daily data on displaced individuals to improve relief delivery. Food supplies and tents are being delivered to the affected areas, and efforts are being made to restore stability and allow residents to return home.
International Support
The international community is providing support to the affected populations. The Ghana Red Cross Society and humanitarian partners are working tirelessly to provide emergency relief items to displaced families. However, concerns persist about the actual scale of the tragedy, with some residents claiming that the real death toll could be significantly higher than reported.
Regional Impact
The crisis has also had a significant impact on the region, with Côte d’Ivoire’s Bounkani region already hosting over 30,000 Burkinabé refugees. The influx of Ghanéan refugees has put additional pressure on local resources, sparking fears of further instability.