By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, May 27, GNA – Joyful yet emotional scenes unfolded Accra International Airport on Wednesday as the first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived home safely.
It comes in the wake of recent xenophobic attacks, anti-foreigner tensions, and rising insecurity in parts of South Africa, where some African migrants have reportedly faced threats, harassment, assaults, and destruction of businesses.
This forced many foreign nationals to seek safety and evacuation assistance from their home countries.
The Ghanaian evacuees, comprising men, women, and children, were received by Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto. Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; immigration officers; health personnel; and representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The scene at the arrival hall was filled with relief, excitement, and gratitude as some of the evacuees waved miniature Ghana flags, exchanged cheers, and chanted in celebration while a brief reception ceremony was held in their honour.
The evacuation exercise, at the behest of President John Dramani Mahama, forms part of the government’s intervention to rescue Ghanaian nationals affected by recent anti-foreigner tensions and threats in South Africa.
Mr. Julius Debrah, who welcomed the evacuees on behalf of President Mahama, described the return of the Ghanaians as a moment of relief and reassurance for the government.
“Home sweet home,” the Chief of Staff said to loud applause and jubilant cheers from the evacuees shortly after they disembarked from the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft.
Mr. Debrah said President Mahama would have personally attended the reception ceremony but was unable to do so because of official engagements related to the Muslim festivities.
He noted that the President had been deeply disturbed by reports of attacks and insecurity affecting Ghanaians in South Africa and had worked tirelessly to ensure their safe evacuation.
“He had sleepless nights, and that is why he ensured that you are in Ghana safely,” the Chief of Staff said.
Mr. Debrah assured the evacuees that the government would continue to support them as they reintegrated into society and rebuilt their lives.
“As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself,” he added.
The Chief of Staff also reflected on Ghana’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, recalling how Ghana hosted South Africans and supported liberation efforts during the apartheid era.
“During the apartheid period, Ghana welcomed them home. Most of their children had their education here in Ghana, and we lived together harmoniously,” he noted.
Addressing the returnees, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led the gathering in a solemn prayer of thanksgiving for the successful evacuation and safe return of the first batch of Ghanaians.
“We thank the Almighty for sparing our lives, for protecting us, and for making this evacuation successful,” the Minister said.
Mr. Ablakwa praised President Mahama for demonstrating compassion and leadership towards Ghanaians abroad, saying the evacuation reflected the government’s commitment to protecting citizens wherever they found themselves.
“Today, the Mahama administration is demonstrating that wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected, your dignity is respected, and we will go to the length of this world to bring you back home safely,” he stated.
The Minister announced that the government had put in place reintegration measures to support the evacuees as they begin life afresh in Ghana.
According to him, each evacuee would receive transportation support to their respective destinations and a reintegration allowance to help them settle and rebuild their lives.
He said psychologists, medical doctors, and nurses had also been deployed to provide psychosocial and medical support for the returnees, many of whom endured traumatic experiences during the unrest in South Africa.
President Mahama, he added, had directed that the names of all evacuees be documented to enable them to benefit from various social intervention programmes under the government’s ongoing economic and empowerment initiatives.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that among the evacuees were 26 Ghanaians who had been detained in South Africa over visa violations but were released after diplomatic negotiations between Ghana and South African authorities.
“We negotiated with the South African government that since we are evacuating our nationals, we do not want to leave anybody behind in prison,” he said, expressing appreciation to South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola for cooperating with Ghana during the exercise.
Mr. Victor Atsu Tagoe, speaking on behalf of the evacuees, expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for facilitating their safe return home.
“It wasn’t easy for us. I even got a bullet in my spine due to a hijacking incident there in South Africa,” he recounted emotionally.
Mr. Tagoe described the conditions many migrants faced in South Africa as frightening and uncertain and thanked President Mahama for what he called “exceptional work” in rescuing them from danger.
“I am really happy to come back home. Home sweet home,” he said.
He added that after living in South Africa for 16 years, he now hoped to resettle permanently with his family in Ghana following the assurances and support provided by the government.
Another evacuee, who pleaded anonymity, said she was worried about the fate of her hairdressing business and other belongings she had left behind in South Africa due to the harassment and threats she endured.
“How will I be compensated for everything I left behind?” she questioned.
The evacuation exercise follows renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in parts of South Africa, which have heightened concerns among African migrant communities.
The incidents have reignited continental debate over migration, African solidarity, and the protection of migrants within the framework of Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
Earlier this month, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for Cairo, Egypt.
In the diplomatic communication signed by Mr. Ablakwa, Ghana described the attacks as a threat to African unity and contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South Africa has, however, maintained that it remains committed to Pan-African solidarity and the protection of all residents within its borders.
Government officials say more Ghanaians are expected to arrive in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home all registered citizens willing to return from South Africa.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]