Ablakwa thanks Church of Pentecost for sheltering Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Foreign Affairs Minister expressed the government's appreciation to the Church of Pentecost for providing shelter and humanitarian support to hundreds of Ghanaians who fled recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Minister conveyed the government's gratitude during a meeting with the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, on Wednesday, August 12, in Accra. The Minister stated, "On behalf of His Excellency John Mahama and the Foreign Ministry of Ghana, I conveyed our eternal gratitude to The Church of Pentecost."

Branches of the church in South Africa opened their facilities as safe havens for about 500 Ghanaians who fled the latest wave of xenophobic attacks. The affected Ghanaians were sheltered for approximately two months at Pentecost branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria West, and Kempton Park before being evacuated by the Government of Ghana. The church also provided the evacuees with food and clothing during their stay. The Minister also commended the Church of Pentecost for its consistent humanitarian support for Ghanaians facing difficulties abroad, citing the church's assistance during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Church of Pentecost agreed to deepen their collaboration to improve consular assistance for Ghanaians living abroad.