Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has publicly criticized Ghanaian citizens who returned from South Africa after facing xenophobic violence, saying their complaints about resettlement support are a "nauseating sense of entitlement." In a Facebook post, Awuni argued that the government showed compassion by evacuating its citizens and providing financial assistance, contrasting it with other countries that abandon their citizens abroad.
The debate began after some returnees expressed dissatisfaction with the government's support package, stating that the GH¢5,000 they received was insufficient to rebuild their lives. One returnee told Chale News that the amount could not feed his four children, highlighting the struggles of affected traders and workers. The government has largely defended its handling of the crisis, with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa downplaying reports of returnee regret.
Awuni maintained that the government spent considerable sums evacuating citizens, but emphasized that the safety of citizens abroad is a national priority. He pointed out that many Ghanaians who have never traveled abroad also struggle financially, and some have received no direct government support despite working and paying taxes. Awuni's comments have reignited debate over Ghana's evacuation spending and the financial responsibility of the state towards its citizens.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana evacuated over 1,600 nationals from South Africa since May 2026, funding the entire operation itself. The government earlier turned down a GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana meant to support victims of the xenophobic attacks, saying it had already made adequate provision for those affected.
The dispute raises questions about the financial responsibility of the Ghanaian state towards its citizens who lose jobs, businesses, and housing abroad through no fault of their own. For returnees, the size of resettlement packages determines how quickly they can rebuild their livelihoods. The government's response will be crucial in addressing the concerns of returnees and ensuring their successful reintegration.
Awuni cautioned that continued complaints risk being exploited for political point-scoring, while urging returnees to distinguish between a favor extended to them and an entitlement they are owed. The journalist's comments have sparked a wider conversation about the role of the state in supporting its citizens abroad and the expectations of those who receive assistance.
Key points
- Manasseh Azure Awuni criticizes South Africa returnees for complaining about inadequate resettlement support.
- The Ghanaian government evacuated over 1,600 nationals from South Africa since May 2026, funding the operation itself.
- The dispute raises questions about the financial responsibility of the Ghanaian state towards its citizens who lose jobs, businesses, and housing abroad.
