Ghana fully funded evacuation of nationals from South Africa – Foreign Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Government of Ghana fully funded the evacuation of more than 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Government of Ghana has entirely funded the evacuation of over 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa, following a series of xenophobic attacks. The Ministry firmly denied seeking any financial or material assistance from South Africa for the repatriation of its citizens, rejecting reports to that effect.
This denial comes in response to South Africa's request for reimbursement of the costs incurred in sending tens of thousands of its citizens back home. South Africa has repatriated more than 80,000 immigrants since recent protests and violence against illegal immigration erupted. The Home Affairs department of South Africa informed lawmakers that it had spent nearly $18 million on accommodating and transporting these immigrants.
Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued formal requests for compensation to Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. In a statement on August 13, 2026, the Ministry emphasized that all costs related to the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals were borne by the Government of Ghana and its local partners. Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reiteratively stated that Ghana did not seek any financial or material support from South Africa for this exercise.
Since May 2026, over 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa, with the process still ongoing. The Ministry assured Ghanaians that support for returnees does not conclude with their repatriation. Recipients will receive reintegration funds, transport, and other relief items to facilitate a smooth reintegration into Ghanaian society.
The Ministry reiterated Ghana's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its nationals abroad and promised to take timely and decisive action whenever the safety and security of its citizens are threatened. The Ministry expressed gratitude to President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners for their support in this "fully Ghanaian-funded evacuation" of the affected nationals.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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