The government has evacuated 979 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks that targeted foreign nationals, with a roll out of packages of social and economic support measures to help the returnees rebuild their lives.
The latest group joins two earlier batches of evacuees who have already arrived in the country as part of a government-led operation coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state institutions.
Addressing the returnees in Accra on Sunday, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Finance and Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, assured them that the government would stand by them throughout their reintegration process.
“You have all come home. Our brothers and sisters, you are very welcome. We thank the Almighty God that He has brought you home safe and sound”, she noted
“Be assured that the government of Ghana welcomes you with open arms. We are here to serve you and work with you throughout your resettlement. We are here to provide you with the necessary support to ensure that your transition and your settling in your natural home, Ghana, is smooth sailing”, she stated.
According to her, all returnees have been captured in a government database to facilitate the delivery of support services, including social intervention programmes and employment opportunities.
She said the government had put in place support packages for all the returnees, including social intervention measures and employment assistance for those who wished to work.
Nana Oye announced that returnees interested in acquiring vocational skills and employment opportunities would be enrolled under the National Apprenticeship Programme being implemented by the National Youth Authority.
She said the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Osman Ayariga, had assured government officials that eligible returnees would be registered and supported to access apprenticeship opportunities.
“Those of you who want jobs under the National Apprenticeship Programme will be duly registered and offered these jobs for craftsmen,” she said.
On his part, the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, encouraged the returnees to view their return as an opportunity rather than a setback, describing the current period as one of renewed prospects for economic growth and entrepreneurship in Ghana.
“You are in the best time to come to this country for the best opportunity. You couldn’t come at a better time; this is not the Ghana you knew maybe five or ten years ago. This is Ghana today. Everything is changing”, he noted.
He called on the returnees to use the experience gained in South Africa to inspire others and help transform their communities, while working diligently to improve their lives and support their families.
The first group, comprising 297 people, arrived in Ghana on May 27, 2026. This was followed by a second batch of 340 returnees who landed on 6th June 2026. The final group of 342 Ghanaians arrived on 7th June 2026, completing the evacuation exercise.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
