Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, says the government has begun arrangements to repatriate Ghanaians fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks in the country, assuring that no Ghanaian citizen will be abandoned.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Quashie disclosed that nearly 200 Ghanaians have already expressed interest in voluntarily returning home, according to a report by adomonline.com on May 12, 2026.

The announcement follows the return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, the Ghanaian featured in a viral video linked to the recent attacks.

“Fortunately, Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted,” Quashie stated.

According to the High Commissioner, Mahama hopes Asamoah’s story will inspire other Ghanaians living abroad.

“He wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make a difference in his life,” Quashie explained.

Asamoah had reportedly been working in a salon in South Africa prior to his return, with discussions ongoing regarding additional opportunities for him in Ghana.

Quashie further disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed Ghana’s mission in South Africa to compile the names of citizens seeking repatriation assistance.

“So, we’ve been asked by the minister to gather the names of the Ghanaians. After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home,” he said.

He added that the government will cover travel documentation and transportation costs for returnees, including issuing travel certificates to individuals without valid passports.

Quashie stressed that the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens remain the government’s top priority.

“The whole understanding is that we don’t want to leave any Ghanaian at the mercy of any other national. Ghanaians are valued in Ghana,” he stated.

He warned that the number of returnees could increase as many Ghanaians in South Africa have reportedly lost businesses, investments, and livelihoods due to recurring xenophobic attacks.

While some Ghanaians in South Africa are employed in sectors such as mining, healthcare, and academia, others have seen years of hard work destroyed, he noted.

Quashie concluded by revealing that discussions are underway with Ghanaian businesses and institutions to support the reintegration and employment of citizens returning home.

NAD/VPO

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