Gov’t urges evacuated Ghanaians to prioritise health
The Government has urged Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks to prioritise their health and seek medical attention whenever necessary as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives in Ghana.
“Beyond the reintegration allowance provided by the Government, every returnee must prioritise their health and seek medical attention whenever necessary,” he said.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the call on Friday when he addressed the final batch of 41 Ghanaian returnees to Accra.
He reiterated that the government’s responsibility towards the returnees goes beyond bringing them back to Ghana, noting that their well-being and successful reintegration remain important as they settled into life back home.
The Minister encouraged the returnees not to lose hope but to remain resilient and use their skills, time and energy to contribute to the development of Ghana.
Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to the welfare and safety of Ghanaians wherever they may be in the world.
He also thanked allied government agencies and private sector partners whose support contributed to the completion of the evacuation exercise.
The Minister assured the public that the Ministry would provide a full account of all funds spent throughout the evacuation process.
He said the completion of the evacuation marked the beginning of another phase focused on helping the returnees rebuild their lives and reintegrate into Ghanaian society.
The latest arrival brings to nearly 2,000 the number of Ghanaian citizens who voluntarily registered and were evacuated from South Africa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the recent xenophobic attacks.
The evacuation exercise also involved the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who were attacked and killed in South Africa. One returnee also died upon arrival in Accra, bringing to three the number of deaths recorded in connection with the evacuation since May 2026.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
