Ghana's government has announced a GHS 5,500 support package for citizens evacuated from South Africa. This initiative aims to facilitate their reintegration into Ghanaian society. The package includes a GHS 5,000 reintegration grant and a GHS 500 travel and transport allowance.
The support also provides relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and free registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed these measures at a press conference in Accra. The government designed this support to help returnees rebuild their lives after difficult circumstances.
This assistance is part of a broader government effort to address the impact of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Ghana has seen a significant number of its citizens returning home due to these incidents. The government's proactive approach underscores its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring their welfare upon return.
Minister Ablakwa stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would provide a comprehensive account of the evacuation exercise upon its completion. Corporate organisations and philanthropists, including business mogul Ibrahim Mahama, contributed to the process. Their support complements the government's efforts in bringing nearly 2,000 Ghanaians home.
The evacuation exercise is proceeding in two phases. The first phase successfully brought 926 returnees back to Ghana. The second phase expects to facilitate the return of approximately 1,000 more citizens. This phased approach ensures an organised and efficient repatriation process for all affected individuals.
Beyond financial aid, the government is implementing additional reintegration measures. These include job opportunities, skills training, and entrepreneurship support for the returnees. All returnees will be enrolled onto a special national database. This database will connect them with employment opportunities, skills development programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, and start-up support.
A multi-agency Presidential Task Force on Reintegration has been established to coordinate these efforts. This task force involves several key ministries, including Employment and Labour Relations, Education, Trade and Industry, Gender and Social Protection, and Local Government. The task force has begun skills mapping through interviews to assess the professional backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations of adult returnees.
Approximately 200 job opportunities have already been secured through partnerships with private sector organisations. Engineers and Planners Limited has committed 100 positions. Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo, and other companies have also offered employment opportunities. This private sector involvement is crucial for successful reintegration.
Minister Ablakwa emphasised that no Ghanaian returning home under distressing circumstances should feel abandoned. He stressed the importance of national support systems for these individuals. Psychosocial support is also a key component of the plan. Social workers will conduct follow-up visits with returnees for six months, and a dedicated helpline has been established.
The government will also launch a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma against returnees. A register of claims is being established to support legal and diplomatic efforts. This aims to seek compensation for returnees who lost businesses and property during the xenophobic attacks. Telecommunications companies AirtelTigo and Telecel provided SIM registration services, voice, and data packages for all returnees.
Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to address recurring xenophobic attacks. These attacks target Ghanaian and other African nationals in South Africa. The petition highlights issues such as loss of lives, attacks on African migrants, destruction of businesses, and threats to continental unity. Ghana believes an honest discussion is necessary to address this concern effectively.
Although the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was postponed, Ghana maintained its petition. It secured the endorsement of ECOWAS Heads of State to pursue the matter at the next AU meeting. Minister Ablakwa clarified that the petition aims to promote a collective continental response, not to target South Africa. Engagements have been held with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on the issue.