A second batch of 340 Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa arrived at the Accra International Airport on Saturday evening, June 6, bringing the total number of returnees evacuated so far to about 640.
The evacuees joined an earlier group of approximately 300 Ghanaians who arrived in Accra as part of the government’s ongoing evacuation exercise following xenophobic attacks and other challenges faced by Ghanaians in South Africa.
The returnees were welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Also present were Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, as well as officials from the Mental Health Authority, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other state institutions.
Speaking at a brief reception ceremony, Mr. Ablakwa assured the evacuees of the government’s commitment to supporting their reintegration into society.
According to him, engagements have already begun with local businesses and chief executive officers to secure employment opportunities for the returnees, while other support interventions are also being rolled out.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further disclosed that the Government of Ghana is preparing to pursue compensation for affected evacuees who were forced to abandon their businesses, properties and other investments in South Africa due to the unrest.
“We will ensure that the losses suffered by our citizens are properly documented and that the appropriate processes are initiated to seek compensation,” he indicated.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh also announced that all evacuees would be enrolled onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at no cost to guarantee access to healthcare services.
Officials from the Mental Health Authority were on hand to provide psychosocial support to the returnees, many of whom recounted traumatic experiences during the period leading up to their evacuation.
Several evacuees expressed appreciation to the government for facilitating their safe return, describing the intervention as timely and lifesaving.
A third batch of evacuees is expected to arrive on Sunday, June 7, which will bring the total number of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa to nearly 1,000.
