The first batch of about 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks has arrived in the country, as authorities roll out a support package to aid their reintegration.
The evacuees touched down at Kotoka International Airport at around 1500 GMT on Wednesday (27 May), in line with the government’s pledge to assist citizens who wished to return home amid rising tensions in the Southern African nation.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said comprehensive measures had been put in place to ensure the safe return and resettlement of affected nationals.
The ministry announced that returnees would receive a “Welcome Home Financial Package” as part of immediate relief efforts. Additional support includes transportation assistance to enable evacuees to travel to their respective destinations across the country.
Authorities also indicated that a reintegration allowance would be provided to help returnees rebuild their lives after leaving South Africa under difficult conditions.
Recognising the psychological toll of the attacks, the government said evacuees would have access to free psychosocial support services, while also being enrolled in a special database to connect them with job opportunities and startup support programmes.
The intervention, according to the ministry, forms part of Ghana’s broader commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and responding to crises affecting nationals.
“We value and cherish all our citizens,” the statement said.
The evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted foreign nationals, including other Africans.