The Government of Ghana spent GH¢49.72 million to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks against African nationals, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
The evacuation exercise, which began on May 27 and ended on September 4, 2026, involved the use of chartered and commercial flights to bring Ghanaians who felt unsafe back home.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, September 7, Mr Ablakwa said GH¢38.84 million of the total amount was spent on chartered flights, air tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation, medical care and hospitalisation.
A further GH¢10.8 million was spent on reintegration and transportation allowances, while GH¢84,274 was used to repatriate the mortal remains of two Ghanaians.
The Minister said each evacuee received a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and GH¢500 travel and transport allowance.
Of the total expenditure, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million.
Mr Ablakwa said the entire evacuation cost had been fully paid, with no outstanding liabilities.
He added that the returnees also received medical screening, NHIS registration, food packages, psychosocial support and other assistance to facilitate their reintegration.
The government has also enrolled the evacuees in a special database to link them to employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and other economic opportunities.