By Hannah Dadzie
Government has evacuated the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa, with officials assuring the returnees of continued support and reintegration assistance.
Twenty-six of the returnees, who had been detained in South African prisons over visa violations, were released following diplomatic engagements between the Ghanaian and South African governments.
Speaking at a welcome ceremony at Terminal 2 of the Kotoka International Airport on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful despite their experiences, stressing that difficult moments can sometimes open doors to better opportunities.
“Once they are back home, they should be very optimistic and hopeful about the future because I sincerely believe that sometimes God has different ways of opening new doors for us,” he stated.
Mr Debrah assured the evacuees that Ghana would always stand by its citizens regardless of where they find themselves.
“As a nation, we shall always stand by our people no matter where they find themselves. Be encouraged and believe that it shall all end well,” he added.
He said the President remained committed to protecting all Ghanaians both at home and abroad, stressing that the government had taken the situation in South Africa seriously.
“It does not matter that the issue happened in South Africa. The President had sleepless nights and ensured that you returned home safely. He welcomes all of you home — home sweet home,” he said.
According to him, the government was aware of the suffering, hostility and mistreatment some of the evacuees endured in South Africa.
“He also knows the mistreatment you encountered, the suffering and hatred. It is unfair and we have not taken it lightly. Once there is life, there is hope. Every Ghanaian, whether in Ghana or abroad, should know that the President and the people of Ghana stand firmly behind them,” he said.
Mr Debrah also reflected on the historical relationship between Ghana and South Africa, recalling Ghana’s support during the apartheid era.
“During the apartheid period, Ghana welcomed South Africans here. Many of their children had their education in Ghana and we have lived together harmoniously over the years,” he said.
He encouraged the evacuees to remain optimistic about the future.
“For all you know, it may be God’s plan to connect you to your destiny helper here in Ghana. We will do all we can to support you now that you are back home,” he assured.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the successful evacuation as a demonstration of the Mahama administration’s commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad.
“We will make sure you are protected, your dignity is respected, and we will go to the ends of the earth to bring you back home safely,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa welcomed the evacuees and announced that the government had arranged psychosocial and medical support services for them, including psychologists, doctors and nurses.
He further disclosed that the returnees would receive transportation allowances to enable them travel to their various destinations, as well as reintegration packages to help them rebuild their lives.
According to him, the evacuees would also benefit from government social intervention programmes, including the proposed 24-hour economy initiative, the Women’s Development Bank and apprenticeship programmes.
The Foreign Affairs Minister commended agencies and institutions that supported the evacuation exercise, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the International Organization for Migration and Ethiopian Airlines.
He also disclosed that the 26 detained Ghanaians were released after negotiations with South African authorities.
“We negotiated with the South African government that since we have evacuated our nationals, we do not want to leave anybody behind in prison, and the South African government agreed with us,” he said.
One of the evacuees, Victor Atsu Togbe, thanked the Ghanaian government for rescuing them from what he described as extremely difficult conditions in South Africa.
“It was not easy for us,” he said, revealing that he suffered a gunshot injury to his spine during a hijacking incident.
He expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the government for what he described as exceptional intervention and support.
Government says additional batches of evacuees are expected to arrive in the coming days.
