The government says it has completed arrangements to receive the first group of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured that the evacuees would be welcomed with dignity and provided with support to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Speaking to the group ahead of their departure, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that the government had prepared a five-point support package for the returning citizens as part of efforts to ease their transition back home.
He added that a high-level government delegation, led by the Chief of Staff, is expected to receive the evacuees upon arrival in Ghana.
“The Chief of Staff himself has called me to say that he would love to join me to receive you,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa stressed that the evacuees should not view themselves as displaced persons, insisting that the government has a responsibility to protect and care for its citizens.
“You are not refugees, you are not some destitute. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also described Ghana as a peaceful and welcoming country, noting that many foreign nationals continue to settle in the country because they feel safe and accepted.
According to him, the evacuation exercise demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad and responding promptly during emergencies.
Officials say coordination efforts are still ongoing to ensure that additional batches of evacuees are safely transported and adequately supported under the government’s broader response plan.
