The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the government spent GH¢49,721,786 evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa during the recent xenophobic attacks.
Speaking at a press conference on September 7, Mr Ablakwa said about 1,964 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa through commercial and chartered flights between May 27 and September 4, 2026.
He explained that the first flight was to protect vulnerable groups such as children, the sick, the aged, and women.
For chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, and medical and hospitalisation requirements cost GH¢38,835,512. Reintegration and transportation allowance cost GH¢10,800,200.
Mr Ablakwa said the repatriation of the bodies of two Ghanaian nationals who lost their lives cost about GH¢84,274 for the handling and charges of the mortal remains.
He noted that out of the total amount, the government spent GH¢33,721,786, while Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama's Engineers and Planners donated GH¢16,000,000.
"The government of Ghana would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr Ibrahim Mahama for his extraordinary commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians," he said.
He added that each evacuee received a reintegration grant of GH¢5,000 and a travel and transport allowance of GH¢500.
Mr Ablakwa said the welfare packages ensured that Ghanaians who returned home under the evacuation programme were received with dignity, compassion, and adequate institutional support.
He said the evacuation could not have been anticipated and so could not be budgeted for, but the government had to act swiftly to protect the lives of its citizens and ensure the dignity of Ghanaians.
