The first batch of 300 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived in Accra, where government has unveiled a reintegration support package to help them rebuild their lives.
The returnees arrived at about 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday aboard a government-chartered Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at the Kotoka International Airport.
At the airport, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, led government officials in receiving the evacuees and assured them of state support as they return home after weeks of insecurity in South Africa.
He announced a reintegration package designed to support the returnees in resettling, which includes transportation assistance, temporary accommodation support, counselling services, financial support, and access to employment and business opportunities.
Mr Ablakwa said the intervention forms part of government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians affected by the violence and ensuring they are supported to restart their lives in Ghana.
The evacuation follows rising tensions and reported attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where migrants, including Ghanaians and other African citizens, have faced intimidation, harassment, and destruction of property.
More than 800 Ghanaians are reported to have registered for voluntary evacuation through Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating the phased return exercise in collaboration with diplomatic missions in South Africa.
Government says additional flights are expected in the coming days for other nationals who have indicated willingness to return home due to safety concerns.
