The Ghana Embassy in Abidjan has visited Ghanaian citizens detained at the Abidjan Penitentiary Pole Prison in Côte d’Ivoire to assess their welfare and provide consular support.
The four-member delegation, led by Ghana’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Alhassan Abu, visited the facility on Monday, October 12, 2026, according to a statement from the Embassy.
The delegation interacted with the detainees to assess their health, treatment by prison authorities and other concerns, while offering emotional support.
The Embassy said the visit reflected its commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire, regardless of their circumstances.
The detainees were assured that the mission remained committed to engaging with Ghanaian citizens and ensuring that none felt neglected while abroad.
During the engagement, some detainees raised concerns about language barriers and requested essential supplies, including rice, cooking oil, toiletries and other items.
Ambassador Abu assured them that the concerns would be addressed.
He also indicated that the Embassy was engaging the services of a lawyer associated with the mission to assist detainees facing minor cases and those on remand.
The Embassy described the detainees as being in high spirits and appearing physically well.
It donated drinking water, bread and assorted food items to the inmates.
The Ambassador encouraged the detainees to observe prison rules and regulations, support one another and remain positive despite the difficulties they faced.
He also briefed them on President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda and encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities in Ghana to rebuild their lives after their release.
Mr Abu assured the detainees that the Embassy would continue visiting them and following up on their concerns.
The visit forms part of the Embassy’s consular engagement with Ghanaians living in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly those in detention.
The mission is expected to follow up on the concerns raised during the visit and explore further assistance, including legal support for eligible detainees.
The identities of the detainees were not disclosed in the Embassy’s statement.