Gov’t Evacuates 1,000 Ghanaians from South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks – Ablakwa

About 1,000 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa by the Government of Ghana following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

In a post on Sunday, Ablakwa said he had the “profound honour” of welcoming the second batch of returnees, describing Ghana as “a great country which does not forsake our citizens, particularly in time of distress.”

The Minister said the government’s work is “far from over” and outlined next steps for the returnees, including reintegration with dignity, medical and psychosocial support, and pursuing compensation for citizens who lost properties and businesses in South Africa.

“We shall ensure… secure jobs for folks able to work and intensify our efforts towards achieving Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-African dream of genuine African integration,” Ablakwa stated.

Ablakwa commended staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, and other stakeholders for what he called a “flawless and efficient execution” of the evacuation.

He also thanked Ghanaian CEOs for partnering with the government to create employment opportunities for the returning nationals.

The Minister expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for “inspiring and outstanding leadership and guidance,” adding that “The Mahama Administration shall continue to defend the rights of our cherished citizens, serve with compassion and safeguard the welfare of ALL GHANAIANS.”

The evacuation comes amid renewed xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

Story by Hajara Fuseni

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/