Ablakwa Vows Compensation for SA Returnees as Ghana’s Evacuation Drive Hits 637

Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana will pursue compensation for evacuees who lost businesses, shops, and property during the recent unrest in South Africa.

Speaking at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night [June 6], the Minister welcomed the second batch of 340 Ghanaians, bringing the total number of evacuees so far to 637. He added that over 300 more are expected to arrive in the coming days.

The returnees touched down at 9:00 p.m. aboard a chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight and were received by the Minister and his Deputy, James Gyakye Quayson.

Asset Recovery Push

Ablakwa assured the evacuees that government would not abandon them after losing assets built over decades.

“We are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses, your shops and what have you.

“We are putting together legal processes that we will activate to ensure that those properties you invested in… we are going to make sure we obtain compensation for you,” he said.

He urged the returnees to submit all relevant documentation — including addresses and supporting papers for houses, schools, and shops — to strengthen the government’s case.

Ablakwa also revealed that President John Dramani Mahama will petition the African Union at its next mid‑year coordinating meeting to demand justice and compensation.

Jobs Secured for Returnees

On employment, the Minister announced that about 200 job opportunities have already been secured through Ghanaian CEOs and entrepreneurs who responded to government’s call.

“I'm so impressed that already about 200 jobs have been secured for you. Leading the pack is Mr Ibrahim Mahama of Engineers and Planners; he has offered 100 jobs. AirtelTigo and Telecel have also reached out with job offers,” he said.

He added that the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and other business leaders have pledged further support to ensure smooth reintegration.

Ablakwa praised the evacuees for their resilience and contributions to the national economy, noting that diaspora remittances reached $7.8 billion last year — second only to gold exports.

He also commended President Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku‑Agyemang, colleague ministers, NADMO, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Airport Company Limited, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their roles in the evacuation.

According to him, Ghana’s swift and coordinated response has drawn attention across the continent, with several African foreign ministers seeking guidance on the country’s evacuation strategy.

Source: Graphic Online.