Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to providing needed reintegration efforts for its citizens who have been evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, last Friday, while welcoming the final batch of 41 Ghanaian nationals with other officials, assured the evacuees that the government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure their reintegration.
Mr Ablakwa said officials will assess the evacuees’ details to facilitate appropriate social support systems, among other interventions.
He also encouraged the returnees to take part in the initiative, saying it will provide opportunities for all Ghanaian citizens to ensure the state’s national development.
Since May, Ghana has repatriated nearly 1,900 citizens from South Africa, following xenophobic tensions in the country.
The government said it will provide reintegration support, including financial support, transportation allowance, medical care, psychosocial support, free health insurance registration, and ongoing employment assistance.
The xenophobic unrest in South Africa early this year led to threats, assaults, harassment, intimidation, displacement, and destruction of property owned by foreigners. The attacks affected African nations, including Nigerians, Malawians, Mozambicans, and Zimbabweans, among others.