Gov’t spent over GH¢49m to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa's xenophobic tensions – Ablakwa

Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the government spent GH¢49.72 million on the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The evacuation exercise, which began in May 2026, was concluded on Friday, September 4, with the arrival of the final batch of 41 Ghanaians at the Accra International Airport, bringing the total number of evacuees to nearly 1,900.

“Government spent GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners donated GH¢16 million to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa,” Mr Ablakwa said when he addressed the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 7.

According to the Minister, GH¢38.84 million of the total expenditure was used for chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation and medical care.

Another GH¢10.80 million was spent on reintegration and transportation allowances for the evacuees, while GH¢84,274 was used to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who died in connection with the attacks.

The exercise was launched after renewed anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, with Ghanaians among those reporting harassment, intimidation, attacks and destruction of businesses and property.

The first phase saw 926 Ghanaians return on three chartered flights on May 27, June 6 and June 7, while the second phase was conducted mainly through commercial flights.

About 200 employment opportunities have also been secured through partnerships with private-sector organisations, including a commitment by Engineers and Planners Limited to provide 100 jobs.

Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo and other companies have also expressed willingness to employ some of the returnees.

The government has further established a register to document businesses, investments and other assets lost by Ghanaians during the attacks, as part of efforts to pursue legal and diplomatic redress.