Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa to document and share their experiences following xenophobic attacks that led to the return of the first batch of 300 citizens to the country.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony on Wednesday, in Accra, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, he said the stories of the returnees would form an important account of what happened to Ghanaian nationals during the unrest, while assuring them of state support in their reintegration.
“You are not alone. The government of Ghana will always stand with its citizens, no matter where they are in the world,” he said.
He noted that the accounts already received from those evacuated were troubling, pointing to reports of attacks, intimidation, and destruction of property affecting Ghanaian residents in parts of South Africa.
Mr Debrah said the government acted after receiving detailed reports from diplomatic missions and directed swift coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to secure the evacuation of affected nationals.
“We could not sit unconcerned while our brothers and sisters were living in fear. The safety and dignity of Ghanaians remain a priority for this administration,” he noted.
He also encouraged the returnees to speak openly about their experiences, saying their testimonies would help shape government responses and public understanding of the crisis affecting Ghanaians abroad.
“We know many of you left behind businesses, jobs and investments. Government institutions will engage you to see how best we can support your transition back home,” he added.
Mr Debrah further appealed for calm among Ghanaians still in South Africa and urged them to maintain contact with diplomatic officials as engagements continue with authorities there.
The Chief of Staff commended officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Disaster Management Organisation and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation process.
Several returnees arrived visibly shaken, recounting how they fled homes and businesses, as violent groups targeted foreign-owned shops and residences in parts of Johannesburg and Durban.
Government officials say further evacuations remain under review, depending on developments on the ground.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
