Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners Limited (E&P) contributed GH¢16 million towards the government’s GH¢49.72 million expenditure to evacuate 1,900 Ghanaians from South Africa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

The contribution from the philanthropist covered part of the cost of the emergency evacuation exercise, with the government providing the remaining GH¢33.72 million.

At a conference on Monday, September 7, 2026, Ablakwa disclosed the figures while outlining the financial details of the operation, which was launched following renewed xenophobic attacks and threats against African migrants in South Africa.

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According to him, the evacuation was carried out in two phases. The first, conducted in May and June 2026, brought 979 Ghanaians home in three batches.

A second phase was subsequently undertaken after about 1,000 more Ghanaians voluntarily registered to return, bringing the total number evacuated to approximately 1,900.

The GH¢49.72 million expenditure covered various costs associated with the evacuation and reintegration of the returnees.

According to the Minister, GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, air tickets, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation and medical care.

Another GH¢10.80 million went towards reintegration support and transportation allowances for the returnees, while GH¢84,274 was used to repatriate the mortal remains of two Ghanaians.

The returning migrants also received medical and psychosocial support, free health insurance registration and employment assistance.



FKA/MA

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