The Mahama administration has dismissed reports that Ghana could be asked to pay back South Africa about $18 million for the evacuation of Ghanaians following recent xenophobic attacks, stating that the entire operation was financed by Ghana.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Ghana never requested money or any form of aid from South Africa to repatriate its citizens. “The evacuation of all our compatriots was fully funded by the Government of Ghana and our Ghanaian partners,” the Ministry stated on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The response came after news reports suggested that South Africa was seeking reimbursement from several African nations for assistance rendered during the evacuation of their citizens.
The Ministry stressed that Ghana “did not seek any financial or material support from the South African Government to bring our fellow nationals back home.”
It further noted that the current phase of evacuations was also being paid for solely by Ghana, with the government and its local partners covering all expenses.
According to the Ministry, over 1,600 Ghanaians have been brought home from South Africa since May 2026, and the process was still underway.
The government said its assistance to returnees extends past travel arrangements. Those who have come back are receiving resettlement funds, transport money and other relief supplies on arrival in Ghana.
“Ghanaians can therefore be assured that under no circumstances will Ghana be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry also restated government’s pledge to safeguard Ghanaians overseas and to act “timely and decisive action” whenever their safety and security are threatened, no matter the expense.
