Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended the government's decision to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa, citing the need to protect citizens' safety, welfare, and dignity. The evacuation was prompted by concerns over xenophobic attacks and other safety issues in South Africa. Minister Ablakwa made these comments at a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in New York on September 25, 2026.
Minister Ablakwa's comments come after some returnees expressed disappointment with conditions they encountered after returning to Ghana. Kofi Baah, one of the evacuees, had expressed regret over his decision to return, citing difficulties securing employment. Baah claimed that assurances of employment had been made to persuade returnees to leave South Africa, but these had not materialized. He also stated that the GH¢5,000 government assistance he received was insufficient to meet his family's needs.
Minister Ablakwa acknowledged reports of some returnees expressing regret over their decision to return to Ghana but maintained that the government's primary responsibility was to ensure their safety. He stated that the government would not be deterred by criticism from individuals who had been evacuated from potentially dangerous situations. The Minister emphasized that protecting citizens' welfare remained a key priority for the government.
According to Minister Ablakwa, the government would continue to prioritize the welfare of Ghanaians. He noted that once people were safely back in Ghana, they could begin to make statements, grant media interviews, and engage in other activities. The Minister's remarks were made in response to criticism from some returnees who had expressed disappointment with their circumstances after returning to Ghana.
Kofi Baah's situation highlights the challenges faced by some returnees. He claimed that despite submitting his curriculum vitae as requested, he had not secured employment four months after returning to Ghana. Baah stated that his subsequent enquiries were met with assurances that his details had been forwarded to companies, but no job opportunity had emerged. The government has not commented on the employment situation of other returnees.
The evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa was prompted by concerns over their safety and welfare. Minister Ablakwa's comments suggest that the government is committed to protecting its citizens abroad. The government has provided assistance to returnees, including the GH¢5,000 stipend received by Kofi Baah. However, some returnees continue to face challenges, including securing employment.
The issue has sparked a debate about the government's responsibility towards its citizens abroad. Minister Ablakwa's assertion that the government's primary responsibility is to ensure citizens' safety has been echoed by some. However, others have expressed concerns about the government's ability to provide adequate support to returnees. The government has not announced any plans to review its evacuation policies or provide additional support to returnees.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government evacuated citizens from South Africa due to safety concerns.
- Some returnees have expressed regret over their decision to return to Ghana, citing difficulties securing employment.
- The government has provided assistance to returnees, including a GH¢5,000 stipend, but some continue to face challenges.
