Yasmin Bilal
The first group of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived in Ghana, where they received a warm welcome from government officials.
About 300 people were transported on the first chartered repatriation flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as part of Ghana’s voluntary return programme. More than 800 others registered for assistance, with three flights arranged in total.
Many of those returning cited concerns about their safety amid reports of harassment, intimidation and growing anti-immigrant sentiment in some communities.
Welcoming the evacuees on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said the government acted to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“Government considered it prudent to ensure their safety by evacuating them due to the challenging environment they found themselves in,” Debrah said.
He added that the government remained committed to supporting the returnees and helping them reintegrate into society.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and safety of Ghanaians wherever they are in the world.
“Government remains committed to the protection of its citizens and will continue to stand by Ghanaians wherever they may be,” Ablakwa said.
He also thanked stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), for their role in ensuring the evacuation was carried out successfully.
Ablakwa said each evacuee will receive psychosocial and medical support, as well as a reintegration allowance to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
The returnees expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Ghanaian government and the warm reception they received upon arrival.