Emergency nature of South Africa evacuation justifies GH¢49.7m cost — International relations expert

International relations expert Dr Ishmael Hlovor has defended the government's spending of GH¢49.7 million on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic attacks. Despite the seemingly large sum, Dr Hlovor argued that the emergency nature of the operation necessitated higher costs for services like flights, which could not be secured at ordinary rates due to the limited time for planning.

"While it may appear as a very large sum, you must also understand that this operation is kind of an emergency operation," he told Joy News. The largest expense, GH¢38,835,512, went towards chartered flights, tickets, ground transport, meals, lodging, and medical care in South Africa. Additional GH¢10,802,000 was allocated to reintegration and compensation for evacuees, while GH¢84,274 covered the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.

The Ghanaian government covered GH¢33,721,786 of the total cost, with contributions from businessman Ibrahim Mahama. Dr Hlovor emphasized the importance of considering the expenditure beyond its financial aspect, highlighting Ghana's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and its readiness to intervene in times of danger.