The Government of Ghana has evacuated another 150 citizens from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Ghanaians brought home since May 2026 to 1,324.
The latest group arrived at the Accra International Airport on Monday, 3rd August, where they were received by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, together with senior officials from the ministry and other government agencies.
Addressing the returnees, Mr Quayson thanked God for their safe arrival and assured them that the government remained committed to helping them settle back into life in Ghana. He urged them to remain hopeful and use the skills, experience and resilience they gained while living in South Africa to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s development.
He also appealed to the returnees not to hold bitterness towards South Africans despite their experiences, saying the people of both countries remained part of one African family. He encouraged them to embrace peace, unity and the opportunities available to them as they begin a new chapter at home.
Mr Quayson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of every Ghanaian, describing human life as invaluable. He said the administration of President John Dramani Mahama would continue to provide the support needed to help the evacuees resettle successfully.
According to him, the government will compile details of the returnees and group them according to their skills and career aspirations to enable appropriate employment and livelihood support. He also announced that each returnee would receive a reintegration cash grant to help them restart their lives.
The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation to AirtelTigo and Telecel Ghana for providing free mobile connectivity to the returnees as part of efforts to ease their reintegration.
Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, a spokesperson identified as Mr Phillip thanked President Mahama and the Government of Ghana for ensuring their safe return and for the warm reception upon arrival. He also expressed gratitude to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Benjamin Quashie, his staff, religious leaders and other stakeholders whose support made the evacuation possible.
Officials from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Ghana Red Cross, Port Health authorities and other state institutions were present at the airport to assist the returnees and ensure a smooth transition back into the country.
