Government Evacuates Second Batch of About 200 Citizens from South Africa as Government Pursues Justice for Victims
Government has received the second batch of about 200 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured the returnees that the state would continue to protect their welfare and seek justice for those who lost their lives.
Addressing the returnees on arrival on Monday in Accra, Mr Ablakwa led a minute’s silence in memory of two Ghanaians, Mr Bashiru Isaak and Mr Kojo Antwi, who were killed during the attacks.
“We are still demanding justice and have written to the South African authorities to ensure that the killings of Mr Bashiru Isaak and Mr Kojo Antwi are not covered up. There has to be justice, and we will continue to demand thorough investigations, the arrest and prosecution of those who killed our beloved compatriots,” he said.
He disclosed that while the body of Mr Bashiru Isaak had been returned to Ghana, arrangements were still underway to repatriate the remains of Mr Kojo Antwi.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, the Minister assured them that they had a country that would always stand by them.
“You have never been orphaned. You have never been refugees. You have never been people without a home, without a country or without a government”, we are honoured and privileged to welcome you, our brothers and sisters, back to the motherland,” he noted.
The latest group forms part of Ghana’s second evacuation exercise from South Africa. According to the Minister, about 900 Ghanaians were brought home during the first phase, while the current operation is expected to return about 1,000 more citizens who fled violence in different provinces.
He said many of the affected Ghanaians had abandoned their homes after coming under attack and sought refuge in churches and other safe locations while awaiting evacuation.
Mr Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for opening its premises to displaced Ghanaians.
“The Church of Pentecost demonstrated what it means to be Christlike. They suspended church services and offered their premises as shelter to fleeing Ghanaians awaiting government evacuation,” he said.
The Minister announced that every returnee would receive the same travel and reintegration support package provided to those evacuated during the first exercise.
“We are not reducing or changing the package. You are all valuable Ghanaians whom we cherish very much,” he said.
Beyond the financial support, he disclosed that government had begun working with private companies and state institutions to help returnees secure employment, while those with vocational skills and business experience would receive assistance to restart their livelihoods.
“We are compiling a database and working with corporate Ghana. Some of your compatriots have already secured jobs, and we will continue to ensure that everyone is properly reintegrated,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa also assured the evacuees that government had assembled a legal team to pursue compensation for properties, businesses and other investments destroyed or abandoned during the attacks.
“We are exploring every available legal avenue to ensure that this violation of your fundamental human rights is addressed and that you are duly compensated for your losses,” he said.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
