The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has unveiled a comprehensive support initiative for Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic violence in various regions of the country.
In a public announcement today, the government reassured affected citizens that extensive reintegration measures have been established to assist them upon their return to Ghana.
As part of the initiative, all repatriated Ghanaians will receive a “Welcome Home Financial Package” designed to aid in their resettlement after returning from South Africa.
Additionally, the government revealed that returnees will also benefit from transportation assistance to facilitate travel to their respective destinations throughout the nation.
Furthermore, evacuees will be granted a reintegration allowance aimed at supporting their transition back into their communities and economic activities.
The Ministry emphasized that free psychosocial support services would be available for those affected, many of whom may have endured trauma and emotional distress during the attacks and evacuation process.
Another significant measure announced by the government involves enrolling returnees in a specialized national database for job placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The inclusion in this special database is a key component of the support package detailed by the Ministry.
The government reiterated its dedication to the welfare and protection of Ghanaian citizens living abroad.
In related news, President f the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has authorized the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic violence.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shared on Facebook that the affected individuals had adhered to previous instructions by registering with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria.
He noted that these Ghanaians sought assistance after the latest wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The recent evacuation effort comes in response to heightened xenophobic tensions in the country, where numerous foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have reportedly faced harassment, intimidation, and violent assaults.
Concerns have escalated in recent weeks following the circulation of videos on social media allegedly depicting foreign nationals being threatened and attacked.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong