South Africa evacuees dismiss Minority’s claims over GH¢5,500 support package

Michael Addo, the leader of the Aggrieved South Africa Evacuees, has called for an immediate end to the baseless attacks targeted at Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa and the government that assisted their return. Addo asserts that the ongoing controversy surrounding the evacuation process has subjected the returnees to humiliation, despite the hardships they faced while residing in South Africa.

He stated, "We are here to seek answers and demand an immediate end to the baseless attacks on the government that was sympathetic towards us."

The controversy has been sparked by reports of the government's expenditure of GH¢49.72 million on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. This expenditure was incurred after renewed xenophobic attacks in the country, leading to the evacuation of over 1,900 Ghanaians. Each evacuee received a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 transportation allowance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, outlined the breakdown of these expenses, covering chartered flights, accommodation, feeding, and medical care.

Parliament’s Minority Caucus has demanded a detailed account of the spending, questioning the costs per individual evacuee. This inquiry has led to criticism from Addo, who expresses disappointment that the quest for accountability has devolved into attacks on the vulnerable returnees as they strive to recover from their ordeal. He accuses some individuals within the Minority, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and sections of the media of fabricating allegations against the government.

Addo also questions the veracity of reports regarding financial assistance and relief packages provided to the evacuees, urging journalists who were present at the airport to report the facts accurately. He disclosed that 46 Ghanaians who were supposed to be part of the evacuation exercise are still stranded in South Africa, but the ongoing controversy has discouraged them from seeking further government aid.

Addo expresses gratitude for the government's intervention, emphasizing that many Ghanaians have endured xenophobic attacks in South Africa for years without receiving comparable assistance. He urged an end to the allegations and public attacks, stressing the importance of protecting the dignity of evacuees while addressing the plight of those still awaiting assistance in South Africa.