Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, has announced that the government has begun preparations to repatriate Ghanaians affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, assuring citizens that no Ghanaian will be left without support.
Speaking on PM Express on Monday, Mr Quashie revealed that nearly 200 Ghanaians have already indicated their willingness to return home voluntarily as fears grow over recurring violence targeting foreign nationals.
The announcement follows the government-assisted return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, whose story gained widespread attention after a viral video connected him to the recent unrest.
According to the High Commissioner, Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has offered Mr Asamoah employment in Ghana as part of efforts to help him rebuild his life.
“Fortunately, Mr Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted,” Mr Quashie stated.
He explained that Mr Mahama hopes Mr Asamoah’s experience will serve as an example to other Ghanaians struggling abroad.
“Mr Ibrahim indicated to him that he wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make a difference in his life,” he said.
Mr Quashie disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed Ghana’s mission in South Africa to compile a list of citizens seeking repatriation.
“So we’ve been asked by the Minister to gather the names of the Ghanaians. After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home,” he noted.
He added that the government will cover the cost of travel certificates and transportation for affected citizens, particularly those without valid passports.
“Those who don’t have a passport, we need to get them travel certificates. The ministry is going to take up the cost so that we ensure that we bring them back home,” he said.
The High Commissioner stressed that the government’s primary concern is the safety and dignity of Ghanaians living abroad.
“We don’t want to leave any Ghanaian at the mercy of any other national. Ghanaians are valued in Ghana,” he emphasized.
He also warned that the number of returnees could increase significantly, as many Ghanaians in South Africa have repeatedly lost businesses and livelihoods during past xenophobic attacks.
“There are a lot of Ghanaians in South Africa. Some are doing very well. Some are working in the mines. Some are working in hospitals. Some are lecturers here and there. But these are people who believe that, over the years, they struggle, put up a business. Xenophobic attacks happen. They lose everything,” he said.
Mr Quashie further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with businesses and stakeholders in Ghana to support the reintegration and employment of returning citizens.
