‘Those saying they are beginning to regret coming home If that is the thank you we get, no problem’ – Ablakwa on backlash over South Africa evacuation

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa, insisting that protecting the safety, welfare and dignity of citizens remains a key priority.

His comments followed concerns from some returnees who have expressed disappointment with conditions they encountered after returning to Ghana, including difficulties securing employment.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in New York on September 25, 2026, Mr Ablakwa said the government would not be discouraged by criticism from individuals who had been evacuated from potentially dangerous situations.

He acknowledged reports of some returnees expressing regret over their decision to return to Ghana, but maintained that the government’s primary responsibility was to ensure their safety.

“I’ve had comments and seen some media reports of one or two people who have said they have been evacuated back home and they are beginning to regret. If that is the thank you we get, no problem, but we are not deterred.”

“We are going to continue to prioritise the welfare of Ghanaians. When people are recovered from harm’s way, from conflict, from crisis, from xenophobic attacks, and they are back home safely to peaceful and democratic Ghana, they can begin to make all statements, grant media interviews, and all of that,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks came after concerns were raised by Kofi Baah, one of the Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, who said he regretted returning because employment opportunities he claimed had been promised to returnees had not materialised.

Mr Baah, speaking on Max TV on September 24, said he had received GH¢5,000 in government assistance following his return. However, he said the amount was insufficient to meet the needs of his family of four children.

He explained that part of the money was used to secure accommodation after arriving back in Ghana.

According to Mr Baah, assurances of employment played a significant role in persuading several returnees to leave South Africa.

He said that four months after returning, he had still not secured employment despite submitting his curriculum vitae as requested.

Mr Baah claimed that his subsequent enquiries were met with assurances that his details had been forwarded to companies, but he said no job opportunity had emerged.