‘If that is the thank you we get, no problem’ – Ablakwa reacts to reports of regret by South Africa returnees

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa dismissed concerns from some South Africa returnees who expressed regret over their evacuation. In a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in New York, Mr. Ablakwa stated that criticism would not deter the government's focus on safeguarding its citizens from threats abroad. He emphasized that the evacuation was necessary due to security concerns, particularly xenophobic attacks, and that the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals were the top priority.

Mr. Ablakwa addressed complaints from evacuee Kofi Baah, who expressed disappointment upon his return to Ghana because promised employment opportunities had not materialized. Baah stated that he received GH¢5,000 in government support but that it was insufficient to support his family of four children. He further claimed that four months after returning, he was still unemployed despite submitting his CV as requested.

Baah alleged that follow-ups with relevant authorities only resulted in assurances that his information had been forwarded to companies, yet no job offer had been secured.

The government has previously disclosed that the 2026 evacuation brought 1,964 Ghanaians back home between May 27 and September 4, costing GH¢49.72 million. Each returnee was given a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 transport allowance. The government also promised a database for potential employment, entrepreneurship, and skills-development opportunities. Despite these assurances, critics remain unsatisfied, highlighting the need for concrete outcomes from the reintegration efforts.