Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has responded to reports that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa have begun expressing regret over their decision to return to Ghana.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with members of the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area of the United States, Ablakwa said such comments would not deter the government from its responsibility to protect Ghanaian citizens.
“I have seen and heard some media reports about people saying that they’ve been evacuated back home and they’re beginning to regret it. If that is the ‘thank you’ we get, no problem, but we’re not perturbed. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of Ghanaians,” he said.
The minister’s comments come after reports of concerns from some returnees about their circumstances following the evacuation from South Africa.
One of the returnees, Kofi Baah, recently said he regretted returning to Ghana, citing difficulties he had encountered after arriving back home. He said the GH¢5,000 reintegration support he received was not enough to meet the needs of his family.
The government has maintained that the evacuation was undertaken to protect Ghanaians amid a deterioration in the security situation and reports of xenophobic attacks and intimidation against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
According to government figures, 1,964 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa between May 27 and September 4, 2026. The exercise cost approximately GH¢49.72 million and included flights, ground transportation, accommodation, feeding and medical care.
Each evacuee received a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and GH¢500 for travel and transportation. The government also said returnees received medical screening, National Health Insurance registration and other forms of support.
Ablakwa has previously explained that the evacuation followed concerns over the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa, particularly amid renewed anti-foreigner sentiment and activities by vigilante groups.
The government has also indicated that it is considering longer-term economic support for the returnees, including employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, skills development and start-up initiatives.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has maintained that its decision to evacuate affected Ghanaians was guided by concerns for their safety and welfare.
While some returnees have raised concerns about their situation after returning to Ghana, Ablakwa said the government would remain focused on protecting Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.
The minister also indicated that the government would continue supporting Ghanaians who find themselves in difficult circumstances outside the country.
Watch the video below:
@the1957newsLIVE | I have seen and heard some media reports about people saying that they’ve been evacuated back home and they’re beginning to regret it. If that is the ‘thank you’ we get, no problem, but we’re not perturbed. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of Ghanaians — Foreign Minister Ablakwa, as he addresses the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area during the town hall meeting.
Source: Thepressradio.com
