Kofi Kinaata Joins IOM and Government of Ghana to Welcome 176 Returnees

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and #IOMGoodwillAmbassador Kofi Kinaata, has successfully facilitated the safe return of 176 Ghanaian migrants through a charter flight last week. 

The group included 168 men, three women, and five children who were assisted to return home under the EU-funded Migrants Protection, Return and Reintegration for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) Programme. Upon arrival, the returnees were warmly received and reassured of ongoing reintegration support to help them rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Addressing the group, musician and IOM Goodwill Ambassador Kofi Kinaata lauded their bravery for choosing to come back home and start anew. “I commend your courage to return home and begin a new chapter,” he said. “This is not the end, but a fresh start filled with hope and opportunity. You can turn your experiences into a powerful message that inspires others to choose safer and more dignified migration paths.”

The return operation forms part of IOM’s broader effort to ensure safe, humane, and orderly migration while supporting the sustainable reintegration of returnees. Through the MPRR-SSA Programme, IOM provides tailored assistance including psychosocial support, skills training, and start-up support for income-generating activities to help returnees reintegrate successfully.

The collaboration between IOM, the Government of Ghana, and the European Union continues to emphasize the importance of migration governance, protection, and awareness creation on the risks of irregular migration.

Kofi Kinaata, known for using his music and influence to advocate for safe migration, once again demonstrated his commitment to empowering youth and returnees alike to make informed choices about migration and seize opportunities at home.