The Ghanaian government's efforts to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following xenophobic violence and intimidation have been called into question due to discrepancies in the payments made to evacuees. According to government, 1,964 Ghanaians were brought home between May 27 and September 4, 2026, at a reported cost of GH¢49.72 million. The evacuation was widely praised as a successful rescue mission.
However, controversy arose when it was discovered that some evacuees received less than the promised GH¢5,000 for reintegration and GH¢500 for transport. JoyNews reported that at least three people contacted said they received GH¢2,000. The Minority has since called for an independent audit, alleging that over GH¢16.4 million in payments requires explanation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has rejected the allegations of unaccounted funds, presenting records in defense of the expenditure. Ablakwa disputes the underpayment claims, saying beneficiaries received two envelopes, were encouraged to verify their contents, and had made no complaints to his ministry.
An investigation into the evacuation process revealed that a clerical error led to passport expiry dates being entered as dates of birth in records affecting 15 evacuees. The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria accepted responsibility, supplied corrections, and maintained that the people concerned were genuine passengers who had received their allowances.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with the Minority calling for a thorough investigation into the evacuation process and the payments made to evacuees. Ablakwa has requested a special audit of evacuation exercises undertaken since 2017, which could potentially reveal more discrepancies in the government's handling of the evacuation.
The public has been urged to remain calm and allow for a thorough investigation into the matter. The rescued citizens deserve to rebuild their lives without becoming permanent exhibits in the country's political quarrel. The government has been tasked with bringing the records into agreement and providing a clear explanation for the discrepancies.
As the investigation continues, the importance of transparency and accountability in public expenditure has been highlighted. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for meticulous record-keeping and verification in government operations. The evacuation of Ghanaian citizens from South Africa was a commendable effort, but the controversy surrounding the payments has overshadowed the achievement.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government's evacuation of 1,964 citizens from South Africa has been marred by controversy over alleged discrepancies in payments made to evacuees.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has rejected allegations of unaccounted funds, presenting records in defense of the expenditure.
- The Minority has called for an independent audit, alleging that over GH¢16.4 million in payments requires explanation.
