The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that 120 job opportunities have been secured for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the government to support returning nationals and facilitate their reintegration into society after being forced to leave South Africa due to escalating anti-immigrant violence.

Ghana has so far evacuated about 300 citizens, representing the first batch of an estimated 800 registered nationals expected to be repatriated.

In a social media post on Monday, June 1, Ablakwa appealed to Ghanaian business leaders to contribute to the government’s efforts by offering employment opportunities to affected citizens.

“We urge Ghanaian CEOs and Entrepreneurs to support our JOBS INITIATIVE for our brothers and sisters being evacuated from South Africa,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

According to him, the initiative has already begun yielding positive results through the support of local businesses and employers.

“Already, 120 job offers have been secured,” the North Tongu MP disclosed.

A notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited Ghanaian entrepreneurs and chief executive officers interested in employing returning nationals to contact the Ministry’s Delivery Unit.

The Ministry said the unit, headed by Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa, has been tasked with coordinating employment opportunities and matching returning Ghanaians with available jobs.

It further commended what it described as the patriotism of business owners who have already pledged employment opportunities for the evacuees.