{
  "id": 9992098,
  "title": "‘If that is the thank you we get, no problem’ – Ablakwa reacts to reports of regret by South Africa returnees",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/if-that-is-the-thank-you-we-get-no-problem-ablakwa-reacts-to-reports",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T13:49:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/if-that-is-the-thank-you-we-get-no-problem-ablakwa-reacts-to-reports-of-regret-by-south-africa-returnees/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nMr. 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa, saying criticism from some returnees will not change its focus on protecting citizens facing threats abroad. Speaking at a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in New York, Mr. Ablakwa responded to complaints from some evacuees who say conditions […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Minister Ablakwa dismisses South African returnees' regret as unimportant.",
    "Evacuation was due to security concerns, not employment promises.",
    "1,964 Ghanaians returned in 2026 evacuation costing GH¢49.72M."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/tenth-woman-found-dead-in-south-africas-string-of-killings-9961344",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:09:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Tenth woman found dead in South Africa’s string of killings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/tenth-woman-found-dead-in-south-africas-string-of-killings",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:32:26.000Z"
      },
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        "outlet": "Premium Times",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/xenophobia-105-more-nigerians-repatriated-from-south-africa",
        "published": "2026-09-26T12:18:08.000Z"
      },
      {
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        "title": "Tenth woman found dead in South Africa's string of killings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/tenth-woman-found-dead-in-south-africas-string-of-killings-10002873",
        "published": "2026-09-26T13:51:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Body of 10th woman found in South Africa as killings investigation continues",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/body-of-10th-woman-found-in-south-africa-as-killings-investigation",
        "published": "2026-09-26T14:51:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Club Med South Africa: Is the new KZN beach-and-safari resort worth it?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/club-med-south-africa-is-the-new-kzn-beach-and-safari-resort-worth-it",
        "published": "2026-09-26T15:10:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}