The last batch of 342 Ghanaian evacuees fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa has arrived safely in Accra.
This completes the government’s evacuation of a total of 979 Ghanaians from South Africa.
The final batch of 342 returnees arrived at the Accra International Airport on Sunday afternoon (June 7, 2026) to bring the three-phase exercise to a close.
The first batch of 297 arrived last week, followed by a second batch of 340 on Saturday night (June 6).
The Deputy Chief of Staff in Charge of Finance and Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson led a government delegation to welcome the evacuees on Sunday.
The visibly excited evacuees sang and praised God as well as President John Dramani Mahama, for the timely intervention in the wake of the heightened xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Reconciliation, healing
Addressing the evacuees at the airport, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the recent incidents in South Africa that led to the evacuation of Ghanaians as “an isolated case,” expressing belief that South Africa would soon reconcile with its African community.
Mr Quayson urged the returnees to forgive the South Africans and their government for the incidents and focus on healing.
“Everything happens for a reason in life. It’s about how you process it. I want to believe that this is an isolated case. Even though it has happened before, I strongly believe that South Africa will come around and be part of the African community.
“We also have to learn to forgive our enemies; it’s very important. It’s part of your healing,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He attributed the tensions in South Africa to despair, drugs, and exploitation by “cheap politicians,” saying “the situation of South Africa is not normal.”
“This is Mandela’s South Africa, where we all fought for them. We owe them the history. Some even got Ghanaian passports when they were fighting for apartheid to end,” he said.
Support
Mr Quayson assured the returnees that the government was ready to support them, stressing that all had been registered into a database and that agencies and businesses were willing to help.
“You are in the best time to come to this country for the best opportunity. This is not the Ghana you knew, maybe five to 10 years ago. Everything is changing,” he said.
The Deputy Minister underscored President Mahama’s commitment to the diaspora, saying the government considers Ghanaians abroad as its “17th region.”
“The diaspora is second in the country’s revenue generation. It generates almost $8 billion every year. This government is your government. Even if it’s on your deathbed, we’ll bring you home,” he assured.
He urged the returnees to use the same determination they showed in South Africa to build their lives at home, take care of their families, and set examples in their communities.
Assurance
For her part, the Deputy Chief of Staff assured the evacuees of comprehensive resettlement support, including jobs, health insurance and national identification, as they reintegrate into the country.
“Be assured that the government welcomes you with open arms. We are here to serve you and work with you throughout your resettlement. We have put in place packages for all of you. You will receive social intervention,” Ms Bampoe Addo stated.
On jobs, the Deputy Chief of Staff said the President through the National Youth Authority headed by Usman Ayariga, had activated the National Apprenticeship Programme for craftsmen.
“He [Usman Ayariga] has just assured me that he will work with authorities. Those of you who want jobs under the National Apprenticeship Program will be duly registered and offered these jobs,” she said.
Ms Bampoe Addo added that, the National Health Insurance Authority and the National Identification Authority were present to register all returnees free of charge under their respective programmes.
