The Government of Ghana has clarified that it fully financed the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks and security concerns, dismissing reports that Ghana would be required to reimburse the South African Government for the repatriation exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has taken note of media reports suggesting that the South African Government is seeking reimbursement of R18 million from several African countries for support provided during the evacuation of foreign nationals.
However, the Ministry stressed that Ghana did not receive financial or material assistance from South Africa to evacuate Ghanaian citizens.
Ghana Funded Evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals was fully funded by the Government of Ghana and Ghanaian partners.
The Ministry said Ghana independently covered the cost of bringing its citizens home and did not request financial support from the South African Government.
It further clarified that the latest evacuation exercise has followed the same arrangement, with the Ghanaian Government and its local partners bearing the full cost.
More Than 1,600 Ghanaians Evacuated Since May 2026
The government disclosed that more than 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026.
The repatriation exercise remains ongoing as Ghana continues to monitor the safety and security situation affecting its citizens in South Africa.
The government has also introduced measures to support evacuees after their return to Ghana.
Evacuees Receive Reintegration Support
Upon arrival in Ghana, evacuated citizens are provided with reintegration funds, transportation support and other relief items to help them restart their lives and successfully settle back into their communities.
The Ministry said the support forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and smooth reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
Ghana Will Not Reimburse South Africa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Ghanaians that the country will not be listed among the African countries being asked by South Africa to reimburse evacuation costs.
It maintained that Ghana independently financed the repatriation of its citizens and did not rely on the South African Government for financial or material assistance.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives, safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad, promising to take timely and decisive action whenever the security of Ghanaian citizens is threatened.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian partners for supporting the fully Ghana-funded evacuation exercise and helping bring affected Ghanaian nationals safely back home.
Source: newsthemegh.com