Ghana Begins Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Accra: The first group of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks is expected in Accra on Thursday. The evacuees will arrive aboard a chartered flight from Johannesburg after President John Dramani Mahama approved the evacuation of 300 distressed nationals registered with Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the government had implemented a support package to assist with reintegration. The evacuees will receive a financial welcome package, transportation assistance to their various destinations across Ghana, a reintegration allowance, free psychological support, and entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that reception arrangements have been finalized at Kotoka International Airport, where immigration, health, and social welfare officials are prepared to receive the returnees. Mr. Benjamin Quarshie, Gh ana's High Commissioner to South Africa, confirmed that the Mission remains in contact with local authorities and security agencies to monitor developments and facilitate the evacuation process. He mentioned that South African officials have expressed regret over the incidents and assured Ghana of measures to protect foreign nationals. This evacuation follows the repatriation of Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian national who returned on May 5 after experiencing alleged xenophobic harassment in South Africa. In support, businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama donated GHS200,000 to aid Asamoah and pledged to establish a cement distribution depot to help rebuild his livelihood. Mr. Ablakwa, speaking at a Ghana-Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting in Accra, called on African countries to maintain continental solidarity in light of these events.