By Hannah Dadzie
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that government spent GH¢49.7 million on the evacuation and reintegration of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following months of xenophobic attacks and intimidation targeting foreign nationals
The evacuation exercise, which began on May 27 and ended on September 4, was undertaken through chartered and commercial flights, with vulnerable groups including children, women, the aged and the sick prioritised during the initial phase.
Addressing a media briefing in Accra on Monday, September 7, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the total cost of the exercise amounted to GH¢49,721,786.
He said Ghana was the first country to evacuate its citizens following the deterioration of the security situation in parts of South Africa.
“The lives protected and the dignity of Ghanaians far outweighs the cost,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said GH¢38.8 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care and hospitalisation, while GH¢10.8 million went into reintegration and transportation allowances for evacuees. An additional GH¢84,274 was used for the repatriation of two mortal remains.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that the government contributed GH¢33.7 million towards the exercise, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, donated GH¢16 million.
Each evacuee received a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and GH¢500 as travel and transportation allowance, with additional support including medical screening, health insurance registration, food packages, SIM cards and psychosocial counselling.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the government had also enrolled the returnees onto a special national database to facilitate access to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, skills development and start-up initiatives.
The evacuation was triggered by a resurgence of anti-foreigner sentiment and intimidation in parts of South Africa, particularly Durban, which created fear and uncertainty among African migrant communities.
The Minister said four Ghanaians lost their lives during the period, while several others suffered harassment, intimidation and loss of property.
He said government continues to engage South African authorities and pursue diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Mr Ablakwa further announced plans by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to provide emergency funding for Ghanaians facing distress and crisis situations abroad.
He revealed that apart from the South Africa evacuation, a total of 4,972 Ghanaians have been repatriated from various countries since 2025, underscoring the growing financial and logistical demands of responding to emergencies involving Ghanaian citizens abroad.
The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to protecting the lives, dignity and welfare of Ghanaians wherever they may be.
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