Minority Questions Payment of Reintegration Grants to 442 Minors in South Africa Evacuation

The Minority in Parliament is demanding answers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the handling of reintegration grants paid to 442 minors captured in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

The concern was raised by the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, at a press conference in Accra.

Addressing the media, Mr. Ayeh said the Minority arrived at the figure after reviewing documents obtained from the Foreign Affairs Minister through a Right to Information (RTI) request on the evacuation exercise.

According to him, out of 1,508 persons listed in the reintegration payment register, 442 were minors, some born in 2022, 2023, 2025 and as recently as February 2, 2026.

He questioned how the GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and GH¢500 transportation allowance allocated to each evacuee were disbursed to the children.

"Of the 1,508 persons, we counted 442 minors. Some of them were born on 2nd February, 2026. Some of them were born on 2025, 2026, 2022, 2023. We could count 442 minors. Now, the minister's response nowhere stated where these 442 children were paid the same 5,000 reintegration grant and 500 transportation package allowance as the adults too were paid," he said.

Mr. Ayeh wants the Ministry to clarify whether the grants for the minors were paid directly to the children or through their parents or guardians, and what safeguards were instituted to ensure the funds reached the intended beneficiaries.

"Whether the sum were paid to them directly or to their parent or to their guidance on their behalf, or what safeguarding arrangement, if any, attended the handling of cash payment involving children. This is not trivial oversight," he added.

The Minority says the clarification is crucial to establish transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated for the evacuation exercise.