A renowned Kumasi-based Ghanaian mechanic and business mogul, popularly known as Alhaji Pounds, has commended the Government of Ghana for its swift evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions.
He gave the government a “100 percent mark,” describing the intervention as timely, proactive, and a clear demonstration of state sensitivity to the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad.
According to him, the evacuation exercise reflects strong leadership and commitment to protecting Ghanaians in distress situations, especially amid rising concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
On Wednesday, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa received the first group of returnees as part of coordinated efforts by the state to ensure their safe return to Ghana and reintegration.
The evacuation, carried out through Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forms part of emergency measures taken in response to reported incidents of violence, intimidation and destruction of property affecting foreign nationals.
Speaking to this news portal in an interview, Alhaji Pounds also called on government to go beyond evacuation and put in place sustainable support systems for returnees.
He appealed for economic empowerment initiatives, including job placements and livelihood assistance, to help them rebuild their lives.
Alhaji Pounds further suggested that government should engage private sector players and business owners to absorb some of the evacuees into various companies, arguing that such collaboration would ease pressure on the state.
“Government alone cannot shoulder this responsibility. Businessmen in Ghana should also be encouraged to employ some of them so they can get back on their feet,” he stated.
Alhaji Pounds also strongly condemned the reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as disturbing and damaging to Africa’s global image.
“If a fellow black person does this to another black person, what will the outside world think of us? What is happening in South Africa is bad and paints a negative picture of Africans,” he lamented.
He urged South Africans to embrace unity and tolerance, stressing that violence against foreigners only deepens division and undermines the continent’s shared identity.
