No Ghanaian returnee will be abandoned – Julius Debrah

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has assured Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa of the government’s commitment to helping them resettle and rebuild their lives in safety.

The assurance was given when the first batch of 300 evacuees arrived at the Accra International Airport following recent unrest xanophobia attack in South Africa.

“You should not see your return as the end of your dreams. This is an opportunity to begin again with hope and determination,” Mr Debrah told the returnees.

Speaking during a reception for the evacuees, the Chief of Staff said the government recognised the trauma and hardships many had experienced and would work to ensure their smooth transition back into society.

He emphasised that the state would not turn its back on citizens affected by the violence, stressing that measures were being developed to help them regain stability.

“No Ghanaian returnee will be abandoned. Your country stands with you at this difficult moment, and we will do everything possible to support your recovery and future,” he stated.

The evacuees arrived through a coordinated repatriation exercise led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Many of those returning were reported to have abandoned businesses and livelihoods after tensions escalated, forcing them to seek refuge and eventual evacuation.

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, joined officials at the airport to welcome the returnees and hear first-hand accounts of their experiences.

Emergency assistance, including meals, relief supplies, and health checks, was provided by NADMO to address the immediate needs of their arrivals.

“Our focus goes beyond bringing them home safely. We are looking at ways to help them regain economic independence and rebuild their confidence,” an official connected to the evacuation programme explained.

“We lost almost everything and lived in fear for weeks,” one returnee recounted. “Coming back to Ghana safely gives us another chance to start afresh.”

Meanwhile, the government has also indicated that arrangements remain in place for more Ghanaians in South Africa who have expressed interest in returning home.