Gov’t Prioritises Reintegration of Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says government is taking steps to support Ghanaians who have returned home following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, emphasizing reintegration and welfare support rather than compensation.

The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fred Duhoe, said the some of the affected individuals were brought back after their safety could no longer be guaranteed due to the attacks.

“Compensation would not be the appropriate word. If we say compensation, it suggests they went out on an assignment for us and we are paying them for what happened,” he said.

Mr. Duhoe said government’s intervention is focused on safe reintegration into society, with structured support packages already outlined by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

He said the package includes transport assistance, reintegration allowances, and additional support measures aimed at helping returnees restart their lives.

“We are careful not to disclose all details of the package because it is designed to help them begin life again,” he said.

He further indicated that psychosocial support was provided upon arrival, with coordinated assistance at the airport involving multiple institutions.

“At the airport, the International Organization for Migration, the Ghana Health Service and mental health professionals were all present in their numbers to support them,” he added.

Mr Duhoe noted that all immediate support measures announced by government have been delivered, with the process described as smooth and coordinated.

He added that the only outstanding step is the issuance of national identification cards for returnees who do not yet possess Ghana Cards.

“We already have a database of all these individuals. Those without Ghana Cards will be registered through the National Identification Authority, which will rely on the database provided,” he explained.

He explained that many of the returnees had been living in South Africa in search of better economic opportunities but were forced to return following rising insecurity linked to xenophobic violence.

“They went on a journey probably seeking greener pastures elsewhere and realized that the situation was not what they anticipated and their lives were under continuous attack. They thought it wise to come back home,” he stated.