Government has evacuated 150 more Ghanaians from South Africa in response to the continuous xenophobic attacks on migrants in that country.
The latest group of citizens was received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and other government officials upon arrival at the Accra International Airport on Monday, July 27.
Addressing the returnees, the Minister assured them of the government’s continued support while urging them to be upbeat about their return home.
“You have never been orphaned, you have never been refugees, and you have never been destitute. You are not people without a home, people without a country, people without a government. You have never been people who do not have loved ones back in Ghana,” he said
Mr. Ablakwa reiterated that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
He explained that the first phase, conducted a few months ago, brought home about 900 Ghanaians from various provinces in South Africa after many were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge.
“This is the second round of evacuations we are conducting. We did the first round a couple of months ago. We brought in about 900 Ghanaians from various provinces in South Africa who felt unsafe. Some of you came under attack, and some of you fled your homes to seek shelter,” he said.
The second phase of evacuations, which began yesterday, will target 1000 Ghanaians and is open to Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and have voluntarily opted to return home with government assistance.
According to the Ministry, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students in line with the government’s humanitarian response policy.
The ministry has also urged Ghanaians in distress in South Africa to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for further enquiries and assistance with travel arrangements.
