The Chief Executive Officer of Engineers & Planners and philanthropist, Ibrahim Mahama, has committed resources to support the recent evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

His intervention comes days after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the commencement of the second phase of its voluntary evacuation exercise for an estimated 1,000 Ghanaians who registered to return home following xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa.

The Government of Ghana had earlier evacuated 926 citizens on three separate chartered flights. However, with the exercise placing considerable strain on the national budget, Ibrahim Mahama volunteered to finance the air tickets for the latest batch of returnees.

Each returnee received a reintegration allowance of GH¢5,000 and transportation support of GH¢500 from the government and stakeholders to facilitate their resettlement.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed appreciation to Ibrahim Mahama for the timely support and commended other partners, including AirtelTigo, for providing free data and airtime through free SIM cards; the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for providing relief items; the Ghana Red Cross Society; and the Ministry of Health for their contributions to the evacuation and reintegration process.

"We will launch the Consular Fund in the coming days through a public-private partnership, taking into account the considerable financial burden of consular demands on the Ministry," he said at a press conference in Accra.

He further appealed to private companies to support the returnees by creating employment opportunities and helping them reintegrate into society.

SA Repatriation: About 200 evacuees arrive at Accra International Airport

Thousands of African nationals have been evacuated by their respective countries following recent violence allegedly orchestrated by anti-migrant groups in South Africa. The situation has attracted widespread international condemnation over alleged human rights abuses.

Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the matter on the agenda of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. In addition, two private individuals have reportedly initiated proceedings against South Africa at the International Criminal Court, seeking accountability for the attacks.

Meanwhile, the President of South Africa has expressed regret over the deaths of foreign nationals during the unrest while maintaining that his government does not support or condone the actions of the protesters.

AROUND TOWN: Are Toyota Voxy vehicles fit for Ghana’s roads?