{
  "id": 15182924,
  "title": "Evacuated children also needed support to rebuild their lives – Ablakwa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/evacuated-children-also-needed-support-to-rebuild-their-lives-ablakwa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T11:26:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/evacuated-children-also-needed-support-to-rebuild-their-lives-ablakwa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has clarified that children evacuated from South Africa received the same allowances as adults, as instructed by President John Dramani Mahama, to support their reintegration into Ghanaian life. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 17, 2026, Mr Ablakwa stated that each evacuee, including minors, received a total of GH¢5,500 - GH¢5,000 as a reintegration allowance and GH¢500 for transport upon arrival at Accra Airport. When questioned about the inclusion of children on the allowance list by the Minority in Parliament, Mr Ablakwa emphasized that he had previously made this clear in his address to the nation on September 7, stating that all children, like adults, received the same amount due to President Mahama's instruction. He argued that the children's situation justified equal payment, as they needed to enroll in schools and adapt to a new educational environment in Ghana. The minister affirmed that these families require support, and it is crucial to consider the needs of both children and their guardians. Between May 27 and September 4, 2026, the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, prompted by xenophobic attacks, cost a total of GH¢49,721,786. The ministry submitted a comprehensive report of over 200 pages to Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, in response to a Right to Information request, which included evacuees' contact details and signatures.",
  "summary": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says children evacuated from South Africa received the same allowances as adults, on the instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, because they also need support to rebuild their lives in Ghana. Mr Ablakwa who was speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, said every evacuee, children included, […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Evacuated children from South Africa received GH¢5,500 allowance each, same as adults",
    "Minister Ablakwa clarified allowance instructions from President Mahama",
    "1,964 Ghanaians evacuated May 27-September 4, 2026 due to xenophobic attacks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}