Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the government spent GH¢49.72 million to evacuate 1,900 Ghanaians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks.

The figure covers the two phases of the evacuation exercise, which was organised after reports of harassment, intimidation, looting, property destruction and attacks on African migrants in parts of South Africa.

Speaking during a conference on Monday, September 7, 2026, the Ministry revealed that the expenditure reflected the government's responsibility to protect Ghanaians facing dangerous conditions abroad.

According to Ablakwa, GH¢38.84 million was spent directly on the evacuation operation. This included chartered flights, air tickets, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation and medical care for the returning Ghanaians.

Aliko Dangote, investment banks sign Africa's biggest IPO

A further GH¢10.80 million was allocated to reintegration assistance and transportation allowances for the returnees.

The government also spent GH¢84,274 to repatriate the mortal remains of two Ghanaians who died in South Africa.

The latest phase of the operation brought approximately 1,000 Ghanaians back home after they voluntarily registered for evacuation. It followed an earlier exercise conducted in May and June 2026, when 979 Ghanaians returned to Ghana in three batches.

Ablakwa said the government had now completed the second phase, taking the total number of evacuated Ghanaians to about 1,900.

Beyond bringing the migrants home, the government provided reintegration financial support, transportation allowances, medical and psychosocial assistance, free National Health Insurance registration and employment support.



FKA/MA

Lands Minister officially hands over Environment Ministry to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings