The second batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Accra. A total of 345 evacuees touched down safely at the Accra International Airport on Saturday, June 6.
The latest arrivals join hundreds of Ghanaians who were repatriated earlier under an emergency evacuation exercise coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration together with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria. The operation was initiated following reports of attacks, intimidation and threats targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The returnees were received by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Immigration Service. The agencies provided immediate assistance including meals, transport support and counselling services to facilitate their return to their respective communities.
The evacuation programme has attracted significant interest from Ghanaians living in South Africa. Authorities disclosed that more than 1,500 citizens registered for repatriation after concerns over their safety intensified.
Many of the evacuees are reported to have left behind businesses, employment opportunities and personal possessions accumulated over several years. Some had established families and livelihoods in South Africa before the recent tensions disrupted their lives.
The arrival of the second batch follows an earlier evacuation exercise that brought approximately 300 Ghanaians back home on May 27. That operation experienced delays after logistical and administrative arrangements affected the original departure schedule.
Similarly, the latest airlift was adjusted to accommodate the increasing number of citizens seeking assistance to return to Ghana. Government officials subsequently revised arrangements to ensure additional passengers could be accommodated.
The repatriation exercise comes as concerns continue to grow over the welfare of foreign nationals residing in South Africa. Reports from affected communities suggest that businesses owned by migrants have suffered varying degrees of damage while others have been forced to suspend operations.
Authorities say efforts are continuing to assist citizens who remain in temporary shelters and holding centres in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Government agencies are working with diplomatic officials to process outstanding requests and facilitate further departures.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for another evacuation flight expected to arrive in Accra on Sunday, June 7. The anticipated arrival is expected to bring home more than 300 additional Ghanaians.
Government Pursues Compensation For Evacuees Who Lost Property
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced plans by government to pursue compensation for Ghanaians who lost businesses, properties and investments during the recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa. He directed evacuees to provide detailed records of their losses to support legal action being prepared on their behalf.
Addressing returnees after their arrival in Ghana, Honourable Okudzeto said government is determined to ensure affected citizens received justice. He explained that authorities are compiling evidence and documentation to support future claims for compensation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that many of the evacuees invested substantial resources over several years in South Africa. He said some built thriving businesses and accumulated assets through decades of hard work before the recent disturbances disrupted their livelihoods.
“We are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, assets and businesses. We are going to make sure that we go all out to obtain compensation for you.”
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Honourable Okudzeto therefore urged returnees to cooperate fully with officials handling the documentation exercise. He explained that the information being collected would form part of the legal case government intends to pursue.
“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require. Let us have the documentation that will serve as evidence for the case that we are building.”
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Foreign Affairs Minister further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama directed him to petition the African Union on the matter. He said the President is committed to ensuring that the concerns of affected Ghanaians receive continental attention.
Honourable Okudzeto indicated that Ghana would use available diplomatic channels to advocate for justice and accountability. He added that government would continue engaging relevant institutions as part of efforts to secure compensation for affected citizens.
“President Mahama has said that he will not abandon you and he will not forsake you. He is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done.”
The Minister assured the evacuees that government would remain engaged throughout the process. He said every effort would be made to protect the interests of Ghanaians who suffered losses as a result of the disturbances in South Africa.
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