By Nadia Ntiamoah
The first batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in Accra as the government intensifies efforts to protect citizens caught up in the violence and uncertainty in the Southern African natio.
The evacuees, numbering about 300, arrived at the Accra International Airport at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, aboard Ethiopian Airlines after the government initiated emergency evacuation measures for Ghanaians who expressed willingness to return home.
The evacuation exercise follows recent reports of xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, reviving painful memories of previous incidents that affected many African migrants, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and other nationals living and working in that country.
Over the years, South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence largely linked to tensions over unemployment, crime, economic hardship, and competition for jobs and business opportunities.
Foreign nationals have often accused some local groups of scapegoating migrants for the country’s socio-economic difficulties.
In response to the latest developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier announced plans to evacuate any Ghanaian citizen willing to return home from South Africa.
The government also unveiled a support package aimed at helping returnees safely reintegrate into society upon arrival in Ghana.
In a public notice issued ahead of the evacuation, authorities assured affected citizens that comprehensive measures had been put in place to support their welfare and ease their transition back home.
According to the Ministry, all returnees would benefit from a “Welcome Home Financial Package” as part of immediate relief efforts by the government.
The evacuees are also expected to receive transportation support to enable them to travel to their respective hometowns and destinations across the country after arriving in Accra.
Additionally, the government announced plans to provide reintegration allowances to assist returnees as they attempt to rebuild their lives after leaving South Africa under distressing circumstances.
Recognising the emotional and psychological trauma many victims may have suffered during the attacks, the Ministry further disclosed that free psychosocial support services would be made available to affected persons.
Authorities also revealed that returnees would be enrolled in a special national database intended to connect them to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support initiatives, and startup assistance programmes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the intervention as part of the government’s broader commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and ensuring support is provided during periods of crisis.
