The first batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived safely in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, touching down at the Accra International Airport at about 3:00 pm, marking the beginning of a government-coordinated repatriation exercise triggered by renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of the Southern African country.

A total of 300 Ghanaian nationals formed the initial group, returning home under an emergency evacuation programme activated after reports of attacks, intimidation, and destruction of property targeting foreign nationals in South Africa sparked widespread concern among affected communities.

The arrival was met by a high-level government delegation led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alongside security officials and representatives of state agencies tasked with managing the reintegration process.

Govt activates emergency evacuation response

The evacuation forms part of a broader government commitment to safeguard Ghanaian citizens abroad, particularly those caught in crisis situations.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that all Ghanaians willing to return home from South Africa due to the unrest would be assisted, with clear assurances that support systems had been activated to ensure safe return and reintegration.

In a public notice, the Ministry said the government had put in place a comprehensive assistance package designed not only to receive evacuees but also to support them as they rebuild their lives in Ghana.

Financial support, transport and reintegration package

According to the Ministry, all evacuees are entitled to a “Welcome Home Financial Package” aimed at providing immediate relief upon arrival.

In addition, returnees will receive transportation assistance to enable them to travel from Accra to their respective hometowns and communities across the country.

The government has also announced a reintegration allowance to help beneficiaries adjust to life after their unexpected return from South Africa, where many had been living and working before the crisis.

Officials further disclosed that psychosocial support services have been made available to address the emotional and psychological trauma associated with the xenophobic attacks and forced displacement.

The Ministry emphasised that all evacuees will be registered into a special national database, which will be used to link them to job opportunities, skills development programmes, and potential startup support initiatives.

“We value and cherish all our citizens,” the Ministry noted in its statement, underscoring the government’s duty of care to Ghanaians abroad.

Emotional arrival and government reassurance

At the arrival hall, emotions ran high as returnees stepped onto home soil, many expressing relief, uncertainty, and gratitude after what officials described as a distressing period in South Africa.

Addressing the evacuees, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged them to remain hopeful despite the circumstances that led to their return, encouraging them to see the evacuation as a transition rather than an end.

“Most importantly, we want to encourage our brothers and sisters that once they are back, they should be very optimistic and hopeful about the future,” he said.

“Sometimes God has different ways of opening new doors for us. As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself. Be encouraged, and believe that it shall all end well.”

Ablakwa outlines comprehensive support measures

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reinforced the government’s assurances, detailing the scope of support awaiting the returnees.

He said the reception programme included access to medical care, counselling services, and psychosocial support, provided by trained professionals including doctors, nurses, and psychologists.

“Today’s welcome ceremony is fully packed. You are going to receive psychosocial support. We have psychologists, medical doctors and nurses,” he stated.

He further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had approved additional financial assistance packages, including transportation allowances to enable evacuees to return to their respective places of residence.

“President Mahama says all of you should be given two special allowances. One for transportation. There will be a transportation allowance to wherever you live, wherever you are going to,” he added.

Diplomatic efforts continue as more evacuations expected

Government officials say the evacuation exercise will continue in phases, with additional Ghanaian nationals expected to be brought home in the coming days as security conditions in South Africa are closely monitored.

Authorities also confirmed that diplomatic engagements are ongoing with South African counterparts to ensure the safety of Ghanaians who remain in the country, while exploring long-term measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The development comes amid renewed concern over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically affected foreign nationals across several African countries, prompting urgent consular responses and evacuation interventions.

For the 300 evacuees who arrived on Wednesday, the focus now shifts to reintegration, recovery, and rebuilding—supported by what the government describes as a structured national response designed to restore dignity and stability after a difficult chapter abroad.