South Africa Evacuation: Gov't Spent GH¢49.7m On 1,964 Ghanaians - Ablakwa

The government spent a total of GH¢49,721,786.00 on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

According to the Minister, the amount covered chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, September 7, Mr Ablakwa said GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation costs.

Another GH¢10.8 million was disbursed as reintegration and transportation allowances for the returnees, with each evacuee receiving GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation, totaling GH¢5,500 per person.

The government also spent GH¢84,274 to repatriate the remains of the two deceased Ghanaians.

Mr Ablakwa stated that the total cost has been fully settled, with no outstanding liabilities. Of the GH¢49.72 million, government financed GH¢33.72 million while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million.

He commended Mr Mahama for his support and commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians.

Beyond the financial support, the Minister said returning nationals received psychosocial support from psychologists and trauma counsellors, faith-based and civil society groups, free medical screening by Port Health, NHIS registration, free SIM cards with data and airtime, food packages from the National Buffer Stock Company, and logistics support from IOM, NADMO and the Red Cross.

He also commended the Church of Pentecost for providing free accommodation for some of the returnees in Pretoria, Kempton Park and Johannesburg.

Mr Ablakwa added that government is considering long-term economic empowerment initiatives to help the returnees rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into their communities.