Johannesburg: Ghana appears to have got it right by opting to repatriate its nationals without South Africa's support, as South Africa is now seeking to recover part of the costs incurred in repatriating nationals of some African countries, including Nigeria.
According to Ghana Web, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs reported an expenditure of nearly $18 million (£13.6 million) on housing and transporting migrants who requested to return to their home countries. The department has formally approached Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique for reimbursement of part of these costs.
Ghana, notably absent from this list, was among the first nations to evacuate its citizens following xenophobic attacks in South Africa. More than 1,600 Ghanaians were repatriated through a blend of chartered and commercial flights, funded by the Ghanaian government with assistance from private businesses. Each returnee received a reintegration allowance, transport fare upon arrival at Accra International Airport, and other relief items.
The swiftness of Ghana's response has been commended by many citizens, who praised the government's prompt action to safeguard its nationals. Sources reveal that South African authorities had offered to support Ghana's repatriation efforts, an offer Ghana declined.
In a briefing to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, South African officials highlighted that a significant portion of the expenditure was allocated to bus rentals, alongside costs for temporary repatriation facilities, staff overtime, food, and other operational expenses. Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode indicated that despite some assistance from the affected countries, South Africa bore the majority of the financial burden.
'Letters have been sent to the embassies of these countries, awaiting response,' Makhode stated, as the government seeks to recover part of the expenditure from the countries concerned.