Ghana appears to have avoided a potential repatriation bill from South Africa after independently funding the evacuation of its nationals following xenophobic attacks in the country.
South Africa is seeking reimbursement from several African countries for part of the costs it incurred in housing and transporting migrants who requested to return to their home countries.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs reportedly spent nearly US$18 million on the repatriation exercise and has asked Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to reimburse part of the cost.
Ghana, which was among the first countries to evacuate its citizens, is not included among the countries being asked to pay.
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.
Upon arrival at the Accra International Airport, returnees received reintegration allowances, transport fares and other relief items.
South African authorities reportedly offered to support Ghana’s evacuation exercise, but the offer was declined as the Ghanaian government opted to take responsibility for bringing its nationals home.
The costs incurred by South Africa were disclosed during a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs. South African officials said a significant portion of the expenditure went towards bus rentals, with additional costs covering temporary repatriation facilities, staff overtime, food and other operational expenses.
Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode said the affected countries had provided some assistance, but South Africa had ultimately borne most of the financial burden.
He said letters had been sent to the embassies of the countries concerned as the South African government seeks reimbursement.
Ghana’s decision to independently finance the evacuation of its nationals has therefore left the country outside the list of governments being asked to reimburse South Africa for the repatriation costs.
