The government of Ghana has announced a comprehensive relief and reintegration package for its citizens being evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday that returning Ghanaians would receive financial support, transportation assistance, psychosocial care, and reintegration benefits aimed at easing their return and resettlement in the country.
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- Ghana approved a relief and reintegration package for citizens evacuated from xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
- Returning citizens will receive financial aid, transport support, and reintegration allowances to help them resettle.
- The government also promised free psychosocial support for evacuees affected by trauma and displacement.
- Evacuees will be added to a database for job and startup opportunities to support long-term recovery.
- About 300 Ghanaians are being evacuated following approval by President John Mahama, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
According to the ministry, evacuees will benefit from a “Welcome Home Financial Package” upon arrival, as well as transport support to their respective destinations across Ghana.
It also disclosed that a “Re-integration Allowance” would be provided to assist returnees in adjusting to life after their evacuation and to support efforts toward rebuilding their livelihoods.
The government further stated that affected citizens would receive free psychosocial support services to help them cope with trauma arising from the attacks and displacement.
In addition, officials said evacuees would be enrolled in a special database for jobs and startup opportunities to facilitate economic reintegration and long-term recovery.
The ministry reaffirmed government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, saying: “We value and cherish all our citizens.”
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The development comes amid reports of renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have faced attacks and intimidation in some communities, prompting diplomatic concerns across Africa.
Earlier, Ghanaian authorities had approved the evacuation of about 300 nationals from South Africa, following security assessments and registration of affected citizens at the country’s High Commission in Pretoria.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the evacuation was approved by President John Mahama, adding that the exercise was aimed at ensuring the safe return of citizens caught in the violence.
