GH¢5,000 support for South Africa evacuees inadequate – Minority

The Minority in Parliament contends that the GH¢5,000 support offered by the government to Ghanaians who were evacuated from South Africa is insufficient to aid their resettlement and economic recovery. According to the Minority, the amount is not adequate for individuals who suffered business losses and income disruptions in South Africa to rebuild their lives.

The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of GH¢5,000 to help affected persons restart their lives in Ghana, particularly those who owned businesses prior to the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. He questioned the rationale behind the government's rejection of a proposed GH¢20 million contribution from MTN Ghana, suggesting that it could have provided more substantial assistance to the evacuees.

Ayeh also inquired whether the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa were consulted prior to the government's decision to reject the additional offer. The Minority's remarks underscore their demand for transparency regarding the government's handling of the evacuation process, including the costs incurred and the level of support provided to returning citizens.