The government has successfully evacuated nearly 1,000 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following a recent surge in xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the successful evacuation, describing it as the fulfillment of a promise made by government to protect and support Ghanaians caught up in the violence.
In a statement after receiving the latest batch of evacuees, Mr. Ablakwa stressed that no Ghanaian had been left behind in dangerous circumstances, reaffirming government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens regardless of where they reside.
“We kept our promise. No Ghanaian has been abandoned in harm’s way,” the Foreign Minister stated.
According to him, the evacuation exercise, which involved extensive coordination between multiple government agencies and international partners, culminated in the safe return of close to a thousand Ghanaians who had been affected by the attacks.
Mr. Ablakwa described the moment of welcoming the returnees as both emotional and fulfilling, noting that it underscored the importance of leadership that prioritizes the well-being of citizens during periods of crisis.
“Last night, it was a profound honour to welcome our fellow nationals with love, warmth and the pride of being a servant leader in a great country which does not forsake our citizens, particularly in times of distress,” he said.
Despite the successful evacuation, the minister emphasized that government’s responsibility does not end with bringing the affected citizens home.
He outlined a comprehensive reintegration programme aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives and regain stability.
The support package, he revealed, will include medical care, psychosocial assistance, job placement opportunities, and efforts to secure compensation for those who were forced to leave behind businesses, homes, and other properties in South Africa.
“But our work is far from over,” Mr. Ablakwa noted. “We shall ensure reintegration with dignity, medical and psychosocial support, pursue compensation for those who have left properties and businesses behind, secure jobs for folks able to work and intensify our efforts towards achieving Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-African dream of genuine African integration.”
The Foreign Minister praised the collective efforts of several institutions whose collaboration made the operation possible.
He commended officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, staff of Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, fellow ministers, senior government officials, and a host of state agencies for what he described as a flawless execution of the evacuation mission.
Among the institutions acknowledged were the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Ghana Police Service (GPS).
He also expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ethiopian Airlines, and members of the media for their support throughout the operation.
In addition, Mr. Ablakwa lauded several Ghanaian business leaders and chief executives who have partnered with government to create employment opportunities for the returning nationals, describing their contribution as critical to the success of the reintegration process.
The Foreign Minister further paid tribute to President John Dramani Mahama for what he termed his decisive leadership and guidance throughout the crisis.
“God bless President John Mahama for his inspiring and outstanding leadership and guidance,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa assured the public that the Mahama administration would continue to place the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance, pledging that government would remain committed to protecting the rights and interests of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
“The Mahama Administration shall continue to defend the rights of our cherished citizens, serve with compassion and safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians,” he affirmed.
The evacuation comes amid renewed concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically affected foreign nationals, including migrants from several African countries.
Government say it remain engaged with their South African counterparts and international partners to ensure the safety of citizens and to address the broader issues underlying such attacks.
By 1960news.com
