Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has welcomed a group of his constituents who were evacuated from South Africa amid recent xenophobic attacks, describing their return as an emotional moment marked by stories of loss, fear, and survival.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the legislator recounted meeting the returnees at the airport after facilitating their evacuation through Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Watch Ablakwa's emotional message to Ghanaians leaving South Africa

“A sad moment at the airport today as I welcomed some of my constituents, whom I facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to return safely to Ghana from South Africa,” he wrote.

According to the MP, conversations with the returnees revealed the difficult circumstances under which many of them fled the country. Some were forced to abandon their belongings, while others sold their possessions at heavily reduced prices in a desperate bid to escape the violence.

“One older man told me he could not pick up any of his belongings before fleeing. Another said he had to sell his possessions at a very low price just to escape,” Opoku disclosed.

The accounts highlight the human cost of the recent wave of xenophobic attacks that have affected foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, forcing many migrants to choose between their livelihoods and their safety.

For some of the returnees, the journey back to Ghana meant leaving behind years of work, investments, and personal belongings accumulated over time. Their arrival home marks the end of a difficult chapter, but also the beginning of the challenge of rebuilding their lives.

Opoku assured the evacuees that they would not face that challenge alone. He announced that arrangements had been made to transport all his constituents back to their communities and pledged additional support to help them reintegrate.

“I have arranged transportation for all my constituents back home and will support their reintegration into the community,” he said.

The MP also praised the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for what he described as a prompt response to the crisis and assistance provided to affected citizens.

“I commend the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their swift intervention and support during this difficult period,” he stated.

While celebrating the safe return of his constituents, Opoku expressed concern for Ghanaians who remain in South Africa, either awaiting evacuation or choosing to stay despite the tensions.

“I pray that all others still in South Africa will be safe, accounted for, and protected, including those who have chosen to remain there.”

The evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian government to assist citizens affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

As more returnees arrive home, attention is increasingly turning to how they can be supported to rebuild their lives after leaving behind businesses, jobs, and possessions in search of safety.

NA/BAI

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