The government has clarified that it fully financed the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, dismissing reports suggesting that Ghana could be among African countries being asked to reimburse the South African government for the cost of repatriating foreign nationals.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the government said Ghana did not seek financial or material assistance from South Africa to facilitate the return of its citizens.
The clarification follows media reports indicating that the South African Government is seeking reimbursement of about US$18 million from a number of African countries for support and logistical assistance provided in connection with the evacuation of their nationals from South Africa.
The Ministry stressed that Ghana’s situation is different, insisting that the evacuation of its nationals was funded entirely by the Government of Ghana and Ghanaian partners.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ghana did not seek any financial or material support from the South African Government to bring our fellow nationals back home,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry, more than 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026 as part of measures to protect citizens affected by the recent xenophobic attacks and related security concerns.
The government said the evacuation exercise remains ongoing and that additional Ghanaian nationals will continue to be assisted to return home where necessary.
The Ministry explained that the latest round of evacuations has also followed the same funding arrangement, governmeng and its local partners bearing the entire cost of bringing the affected nationals back home.
The development forms part of the government’s broader response to concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks and hostility towards foreign nationals.
Beyond the cost of transporting Ghanaians back home, the government said it has also put measures in place to support the returnees after their arrival.
The evacuees, according to the Ministry, are provided with reintegration funds, transport fares and other relief items intended to assist them in settling back into their communities.
The support, the Ministry said, is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that returning nationals are not left without assistance after being evacuated from situations that may have threatened their safety.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further assured Ghanaians that the country will not be listed among the countries being asked by South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals.
“Ghanaians can therefore be assured that under no circumstances will Ghana be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals,” the statement said.
The clarification is expected to draw a distinction between Ghana’s evacuation arrangements and those of other African countries whose nationals may have been repatriated with support from the South African government.
The Ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians wherever they may be, stressing that the safety of citizens abroad remains a priority.
It said Ghana would continue to take timely and decisive action whenever the security of its nationals outside the country comes under threat.
The government maintained that it would not hesitate to commit the necessary resources to protect and assist Ghanaian citizens abroad, regardless of the financial cost involved.
The Ministry also expressed its gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian partners whose support, it said, helped ensure that the evacuation exercise was fully funded by Ghana.
By 1960news.com
