Joy and relief filled the air at the Accra International Airport yesterday as the first batch of 300 evacuees from South Africa returned home.
Families, friends, and officials gathered in emotional scenes as the returnees stepped off the Ethiopian Airlines flight, escaping the wave of xenophobic violence that had gripped parts of South Africa.
In a rare show of national honour, government officials mounted a warm ceremonial welcome, treating the survivors like heroes finally back on home soil.
Among the tall list of dignitaries who welcomed the returnees were the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; as well as representatives from the National Disaster Management Organisation and the Ghana Immigration Service.
Each of the returnees was taken through screening and checks to ensure their safety.
Welcoming them home, Mr Debrah said that although the events in South Africa constituted a setback, they should not discourage the returnees.
He stated that the government valued the lives of every Ghanaian, whether abroad or at home, and would do everything possible to ensure that the returnees contributed their quota to national development.
Mr Debrah added that the government would soon announce a comprehensive package to enable them to fully integrate into society.
Mr Ablakwa, on his part, called for calm, hope, and national solidarity following the return of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
He encouraged parents and students among the returnees to remain optimistic about the future despite the distressing circumstances that led to their evacuation.
“I want to encourage our parents and students that now that they are back home, they should remain hopeful and optimistic about the future,” he said.
The Minister added that difficult experiences could sometimes open new opportunities, stressing his belief that “God opens new doors in unexpected ways.”
Mr Ablakwa further assured the returnees of national support, stating that Ghana would always stand by its citizens wherever they may find themselves.
Some of the returnees expressed their profound appreciation to the government for the gesture.
They also thanked all Ghanaians for their prayers and support throughout this difficult period.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now!
