A Ghanaian couple who were among those evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks have expressed their struggles in securing employment and rebuilding their lives in Ghana. They appealed for assistance from the authorities and well-meaning Ghanaians to help them find work. The couple's concerns highlight the challenges faced by Ghanaians who were forced to return home after facing harassment, intimidation, and attacks in South Africa.
The evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa began in May 2026, with the first batch of 300 arriving in Accra on May 27. By September 4, a total of 1,964 Ghanaians had been brought back home through chartered and commercial flights. The Ghanaian government had announced several measures to support the returnees, including financial assistance, transportation, reintegration support, psychological counselling, and access to employment and business opportunities.
The government had secured about 200 employment opportunities for affected returnees, with Engineers and Planners Limited committing to provide 100 jobs. Telecommunications companies, including Telecel Ghana and AirtelTigo, had also indicated their willingness to provide employment opportunities. Additionally, returnees who wanted vocational training and employment opportunities would be connected to the National Apprenticeship Programme.
To facilitate access to social interventions and employment assistance, all returnees had been captured in a database. In July, the government announced that each returnee would receive a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant, a GH¢500 transport allowance, relief items from NADMO, and free registration onto the National Health Insurance Scheme. A Presidential Task Force on Reintegration was also established to help connect returnees with employment, entrepreneurship programmes, skills development, and business start-up opportunities.
The couple's appeal for assistance comes as many returnees continue to face challenges in settling back into life in Ghana. Despite the government's efforts to provide support, many returnees are struggling to find employment and rebuild their lives. The government's support package aims to address these challenges, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had announced the government's plans to support the returnees, including the provision of employment opportunities. The government had also urged well-meaning Ghanaians to support the returnees in their time of need. The couple's story highlights the need for continued support and assistance for Ghanaians who were affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ghanaian government's efforts to support the returnees are ongoing, with a focus on providing them with the necessary tools to rebuild their lives. The couple's experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many returnees and the need for sustained support to help them integrate back into Ghanaian society. The government and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that returnees receive the support they need to thrive.
Key points
- The Ghanaian couple evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks is struggling to find employment and rebuild their lives.
- The Ghanaian government has announced several measures to support returnees, including financial assistance, transportation, and access to employment opportunities.
- Despite the government's efforts, many returnees continue to face challenges in settling back into life in Ghana.
