Ghanaians advised to avoid northern Mali due to the abduction and killing of people
A word of caution has been sent by the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry to Ghanaians against travelling to the Gao Region of Nothern Mali.
The caution comes on the back of recent kidnappings and executions of travellers in that part of the subregion.
“Given recent abductions and executions of travellers, especially Christians (including Ghanaians) in the Gao Region of Northern Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration advises against all travelling to Gao and its surrounding areas in North Eastern Mali,” a statement from the Ministry advised.
The Ministry further advised commercial transport operators and drivers who still ply the Gao route from Ghana to, as a matter of urgency, desist from all operations in that part of Mali.
Ghanaians in the Gao Region are also advised to leave immediately for their safety and security.
Those who at the moment are unable to leave are advised to minimize their movement, monitor developments in the local security situation, and follow precautions based on their own best judgment.
“Those who choose to depart the Gao Region are advised to exercise the utmost caution as they move to a departure point, only when judged to be safe to do so,” the Ministry further warned.
Meanwhile, the government says its ability to facilitate the departure of Ghanaian nationals from the Gao Region is very limited but urges those requiring assistance to leave should contact the following numbers: +223 71762020, +223 20295768, and +233 77807676.
