Government welcomes additional 49 returnees from South Africa
The Government has received an additional 49 nationals evacuated from South Africa as part of government efforts to assist Ghanaians affected by difficult conditions in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Friday, where they were welcomed by some officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Welcoming the returnees, Ambassador Grant said the government was committed to ensuring that Ghanaians in distress abroad received the necessary support to return home safely.
“We know that as travellers, you left home to seek a better life elsewhere to support your families and build your future. That is why you made the journey to South Africa,” he said.
He said the government recognised the difficulties that had forced some Ghanaians to return and assured them that coming home should provide an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“Even though life over there became difficult, coming back home means you will still find opportunities to pick yourselves up and rebuild your lives,” Ambassador Grant said.
According to him, the evacuation demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens regardless of where they lived.
“This shows the love that the President and the government have for all Ghanaians, whether you are in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, or anywhere else in the world,” he said.
One of the returnees upon arrival has called on fellow evacuees to use the skills and knowledge they acquired abroad to support national development.
He said members of the group were prepared to contribute their expertise to the country without demanding payment.
He said the returnees had already begun organising themselves and would hold meetings from next week to plan how best they could contribute to Ghana.
“The expertise and knowledge that we have acquired, we are bringing it home to help ourselves and work for the nation for free. We are not taking anything,” he said.
He urged other returnees to join the group and work together to serve Ghana with honour.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
