Ghana completes evacuation of nearly 1,900 citizens from South Africa — MyJoyOnline
The Ghanaian government has completed the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks. In total, about 1,900 people returned to the country, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said, as reported by MyJoyOnline.
Second stage of evacuation
According to the minister, the final group of evacuees has arrived in Ghana, marking the completion of the second stage of the operation. It covered about 1,000 Ghanaian citizens.
The first stage took place in May and June, when 979 people returned to the country in three groups. In July, Ghanaian authorities announced a new evacuation for about one thousand citizens who voluntarily registered to return.
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Assistance for returnees
Ablakwa said evacuees are being provided with financial assistance for reintegration, transport assistance, medical and psychosocial support. They will also receive free health insurance registration and further assistance with employment.
The decision to evacuate was made amid reports of harassment, intimidation and attacks on African migrants, including Ghanaian citizens, in Durban and other commercial centres of South Africa. Ghana also advised its citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to South Africa due to reports of injuries, looting, property destruction, and the closure or takeover of businesses owned by people from African countries.
The Ghanaian government held diplomatic contacts with South African authorities and appealed to the African Union. The minister also reported the deaths of four Ghanaian citizens during this period. The Foreign Ministry plans to submit a full report on the evacuation operation next week.
