Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has addressed concerns from a few Ghanaians who were evacuated from South Africa and now regret their decision to return home. According to reports, some of these individuals claimed that the government had promised them jobs, which have yet to materialize. Ablakwa stated that despite these criticisms, the Mahama administration remains committed to the welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad. He emphasized that the government will continue to prioritize their well-being, regardless of negative feedback.
The criticism from returnees comes after the government evacuated over 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa since May 2026, amid xenophobic violence. The evacuation was fully funded by Ghana's Foreign Ministry, without any reimbursement from the South African government. One of the returnees, Kofi Baah, expressed his regret at returning to Ghana, citing the lack of job opportunities and insufficient government support. Baah mentioned that he received GH¢5,000 from the government, which has not been enough to sustain him and his four children.
Ablakwa made these remarks at a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area of the United States on September 25, 2026. He acknowledged that some returnees had expressed disappointment and regret, but maintained that the government would not change its approach. The minister emphasized that people who were rescued from dangerous situations and brought home safely have the right to express their opinions freely, even if their comments are critical of government efforts.
The government has faced criticism for not providing a clear jobs pipeline or documentation process for returnees. Kofi Baah and others claim that they submitted their CVs as instructed, but no employment opportunities have materialized. Baah also mentioned that the Ghana Card, which the government had promised to process for them, remains outstanding. It is unclear how many returnees beyond Baah have raised similar complaints, with Ablakwa describing the disgruntled voices as limited to "one or two people."
Ablakwa did not announce any new reintegration package, jobs scheme, or timeline for resolving outstanding Ghana Card applications during the town hall meeting. The government's response has been to assure returnees of continued support and commitment to their welfare. President Mahama and the government have reportedly remained unbothered by such remarks and will continue to respond promptly whenever the safety and dignity of Ghanaians abroad are threatened.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by returnees in reintegrating into Ghanaian society. For the roughly 1,600 Ghanaians brought home under the evacuation programme, the gap between the government's promises of jobs and support and what has actually been delivered determines whether their return translates into stable livelihoods or renewed hardship. Without a clear jobs pipeline or documentation process, returnees like Baah say they remain in limbo months after arriving home.
No fresh timeline has been given for addressing the specific complaints raised by returnees, including the pending Ghana Card registrations and job placements. Ablakwa's remarks at the Tri-State Area town hall were general assurances of continued government commitment rather than a detailed response plan. The government is expected to continue providing support to returnees, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government evacuated over 1,600 citizens from South Africa since May 2026 amid xenophobic violence.
- Some returnees have expressed regret at returning to Ghana, citing a lack of job opportunities and insufficient government support.
- The government has assured returnees of continued support and commitment to their welfare, despite criticism.
