Ablakwa pledges gov’t support as repatriates arrive in Ghana

Three hundred Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following rising xenophobic violence have arrived safely in Accra amid assurances of government support and reintegration assistance.

The evacuees landed at the Kotoka International Airport on a specially arranged flight coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa, together with security agencies, after reports of renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in several communities.

Government officials, personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and health workers received the returnees upon arrival and provided emergency relief items, including food, water, and temporary accommodation support.

Medical teams were also deployed at the airport to conduct health screenings and offer psychological support to some evacuees who reportedly experienced traumatic incidents during the unrest.

Speaking ahead of the evacuation exercise, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured the affected Ghanaians that the state remained committed to their welfare and safe reintegration into society.

“You are not going to arrive in Ghana as if you are orphans. You will arrive to a hero’s welcome. The Chief of Staff himself has called me that he would love to join me to receive you. And he will be there leading a high-powered government delegation to receive all of you,” he stated.

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that government had put together a support package for all evacuees as part of efforts to help them rebuild their lives after returning home.

“You have seen the arrangements that the President has made. We have met and discussed a five-item package that everybody will be entitled to,” he added.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also rejected suggestions that the returnees should feel abandoned or ashamed because of their forced return to Ghana.

“We want to show the world that we cherish our nationals. Our citizens matter to us. You are not refugees. You are not destitute. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own. Ghana is a place to be and that is why many foreigners are coming to Ghana on a daily basis,” he stressed.

Some evacuees recounted moments of fear and uncertainty during the attacks, explaining that they had to flee their homes and leave behind properties and businesses to protect their lives.

Authorities say additional evacuation flights may be arranged as diplomatic engagements continue with South African officials to guarantee the safety of other Ghanaians still affected by the violence.