Accra, Ghana – On 10 October 2023, World Mental Health Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close collaboration with the Government of Ghana, assisted 134 Ghanaian migrants (127 men, 7 women) to voluntarily return from Libya via charter flight. As part of IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return Assistance Programme, this support is made possible thanks to the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) funded by the European Union. In 2023, IOM Ghana has provided psychosocial screening for 505 returnees (457 men, 48 women) which remains a key priority to ensure their mental well-being and sustainable reintegration.

“On World Mental Health Day, we are assuring returning migrants that their well-being and mental health are our priority,” said IOM Ghana Chief of Mission, Fatou Diallo Ndiaye. “Psycho-social support is a key pillar of our sustainable reintegration model. We work closely with mental health professionals, with community members, and even family members on providing psychological first aid to ensure returnees receive adequate support.”

Some migrants experience stigmatization, exploitation, violence, and life under inhumane conditions when they travel, especially when using irregular routes, such as through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean via Libya. The decision to return home may also not be an easy one. Expectations from family or community members can be high, and the pressure can affect migrants’ mental health, making their successful reintegration into their communities challenging.

“Returning home on World Mental Health Day holds profound significance for me. I lost my best friend travelling through the desert and had to bury him. The trauma and challenges I endured during the migration journey have left scars that are not visible. For migrants like me, access to mental health care is not just a necessity; it's a lifeline. It's about understanding that mental well-being is as vital as physical health, and receiving this support can be the difference between hope and despair for many migrants seeking a better life,” one returnee told IOM.

Upon arrival, staff with psychosocial expertise from IOM, Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) provided psychological first aid and mental health screenings, and ensured referrals as needed.

“On this World Mental Health Day, we remind society that anyone can experience a mental health crisis, regardless of their background, race, culture or religion. As we welcome home the returnees today, we know of the importance of receiving them with love and care to enable them to reintegrate into their communities of origin smoothly,” said Rev Fred Akator, Principal Disaster Control Officer at NADMO.

Among the returnees were 34 migrants with medical conditions, making their situation vulnerable and requiring specialized assistance. IOM Libya provided the individuals with necessary treatment prior to departure and medical escorts onboard the flight, as well as a three-month’s worth supply of medication.

Going forward, IOM and partners will support returnees with developing a comprehensive reintegration plan which encompasses economic, social and psychosocial needs, and may also include identifying income-generating activities, housing, education, or training to develop business and other skills. In 2023 alone, more than 164 returnees (150 men, 14 women) have benefitted from this innovative and holistic approach.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Port Health, National Investigation Bureau (NIB) and Ghana Police Service (GPS) joined the IOM team at the airport to ensure a smooth arrival process for the migrants. The support also included the provision of food, water, hygiene kits, cash assistance for their immediate needs, and onward transportation to the main areas of return including Dormaa, Kintampo, Kumasi, and within Accra.

For more information, please contact Victoria Adomako, IOM Ghana Reintegration Assistant, at VKankam@iom.int.