Ghana appears to have got it right by opting to repatriate its nationals without South Africa’s support, as South Africa is now seeking to recover part of the costs incurred in repatriating nationals of some African countries, including Nigeria.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs says it spent nearly $18 million (£13.6 million) on housing and transporting migrants who requested to return to their home countries.

The department has formally asked Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to reimburse part of the costs.

Ghana, which was among the first countries to evacuate its citizens following xenophobic attacks in South Africa, is not included on the list.

More than 1,600 Ghanaians have so far been repatriated through a combination of chartered and commercial flights. The exercise was funded by the Ghanaian government, with support from some private businesses.

Each returnee was provided with a reintegration allowance and transport fare upon arrival at the Accra International Airport, in addition to other relief items.

The repatriation exercise has been praised by many Ghanaians, who said the government acted swiftly to protect its citizens and save lives.

Sources say South African authorities offered to support Ghana’s repatriation exercise, but the offer was declined.

In a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, South African officials said a significant portion of the expenditure went towards bus rentals.

The bill also included the cost of temporary repatriation facilities, staff overtime, food and other operational expenses.

Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode said that although the affected countries had provided some assistance, South Africa ultimately bore most of the financial cost.

“Letters have been sent to the embassies of these countries, awaiting response,” he stated.

The government is now seeking to recover part of the expenditure from the countries concerned.