'We all received the full reintegration package' – South Africa evacuee dismisses underpayment claims

Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa amid the xenophobic tensions

A Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic tensions has dismissed claims that some returnees received less than their approved allowances, alleging that some evacuees have been coached to speak against the government.

The returnee said the evacuees received the full GH¢5,500 package, comprising a GH¢5,000 reintegration allowance and GH¢500 for transportation.

The comments come amid controversy over the government’s expenditure on the evacuation exercise, following reports that some beneficiaries received less than the announced amount.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, October 26, the evacuee insisted that the claims of underpayment were false and challenged those in doubt to verify his travel details.

“The claims that some people received only the 500 transportation allowance, while others received only the 5,000 reintegration allowance, are all false,” he said.

The evacuee said he arrived in Ghana on July 31, 2026, aboard a Tanzania Airlines flight, adding that his flight and seat details could be checked to confirm his account.

He also defended the support provided to the returnees, explaining that the large number of evacuees created accommodation challenges in South Africa before their departure.

According to him, some Ghanaians had to sleep in churches and parking areas, while blankets were provided to those who lacked adequate shelter.

He said the evacuees had been assured before their return that they would receive reintegration packages to help them settle back into society.

The returnee further alleged that some members of the group had received calls from individuals attempting to influence their accounts of the payments.

“We are aware that some members of our group have received calls and coaching to speak against the government, but our conscience will not allow us to do so,” he added.

He maintained that the evacuees had a responsibility to state what they experienced, regardless of their political affiliations, and urged the public not to allow partisan considerations to influence the debate.

The dispute follows concerns raised over the GH¢49.72 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also maintained that all the evacuees received the full GH¢5,500 package.