The Ghanaian government has evacuated 300 citizens from South Africa due to worries about xenophobic attacks. The first group, out of over 800 citizens seeking help to return home, landed at Accra International Airport. Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the evacuees, which included 26 citizens previously detained in South Africa for visa-related issues.
Professionals like psychologists, medical doctors, and nurses will offer psychosocial support to the evacuees. The government plans to provide transport allowances for their journey back home and a reintegration allowance to aid in their settlement in Ghana. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, expressed joy at the return of the first group, urging them to overcome their tough experiences in South Africa and reintegrate into society.
Victor Atsu Togbe, who had resided in South Africa for 16 years, shared that attacks on foreigners had hindered their ability to sustain a decent living. He expressed happiness at being back in Ghana. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called for respect for the rule of law from both citizens and foreign nationals, denouncing violent protests and criminal acts against foreigners. He emphasized that such actions did not represent the views of South Africans or government policy.
Ghana had requested the African Union to discuss the “xenophobic attacks” against African nationals in South Africa during the upcoming African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit in June.
