Government announces support package for South Africa evacuees

Government has announced a support package for 300 nationals being evacuated from South Africa. The assistance package includes financial support, transportation to destinations within Ghana, reintegration allowances, psychological counselling and access to employment and business opportunities.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the measures ahead of the arrival of the first group of evacuees in Accra on Thursday. He said, "Each of the evacuees will receive a welcome home financial package, transportation assistance to their various destinations across Ghana, reintegration allowance, free psychological support and entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities." He also said, "The welfare and safety of all Ghanaians is a non-negotiable priority of the Mahama Administration." The evacuees are expected to arrive on a chartered flight scheduled to depart Johannesburg's Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport at about 0500 hours on Thursday. The evacuation follows appeals from stranded Ghanaians seeking repatriation amid fears over escalating xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.

Mr Benjamin Quarshie, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, said Ghana's mission in Pretoria had engaged South African authorities to ensure the protection of Ghanaian nationals. He said South African authorities had expressed regret over the attacks and facilitated immigration procedures for the safe departure of affected Ghanaians. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said additional measures could be introduced depending on developments in South Africa and the number of Ghanaians requiring assistance.