Ghana won’t reimburse South Africa for evacuation of Ghanaians – Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Ghana will not be required to reimburse South Africa for the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from the country, saying the exercise was fully funded by the Government of Ghana and Ghanaian partners.

The Ministry said Ghana did not request any financial or material assistance from the South African government to facilitate the return of Ghanaians following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Ministry responded to media reports suggesting that South Africa was seeking about US$18 million from several African countries as reimbursement for assistance provided in evacuating their nationals.

The Ministry said it had taken note of the reports and considered it necessary to clarify Ghana’s position.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ghana did not seek any financial or material support from the South African Government to bring our fellow nationals back home,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry, the latest evacuation exercise followed the same arrangement, with the Government of Ghana and Ghanaian partners covering the full cost.

It disclosed that more than 1,600 Ghanaians had been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026, with the repatriation exercise still ongoing.

The Ministry said returnees were provided with reintegration funds, transport fares and other relief items upon arrival in Ghana to support their transition and resettlement.

It also dismissed suggestions that Ghana could be among the countries expected to reimburse South Africa for evacuation expenses.

“Ghanaians can therefore be assured that under no circumstances will Ghana be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals,” the statement said.

The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking timely action whenever the safety and security of Ghanaians abroad are threatened, regardless of the cost involved.

It also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian partners for their support towards the evacuation of affected nationals.