Government promises relief packages for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa

The government has announced a comprehensive “Welcome Home” support package for Ghanaian nationals being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The evacuees are expected to arrive in Accra on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as part of an emergency repatriation exercise being coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the package is intended to help returning citizens reintegrate smoothly into Ghanaian society after their traumatic experiences abroad.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the intervention in a Facebook post, stating that “Government of Ghana announces a special package for Ghanaians arriving tomorrow following their evacuation due to South African xenophobic attacks.”

According to the government, the support package includes a one-off “Welcome Home Financial Package” to assist returnees with immediate resettlement needs, transportation support to help them reunite with families across the country, and a reintegration allowance to cushion them during the early stages of their return.

Authorities also disclosed that the evacuees will receive free psychosocial counselling and trauma support services, while a special employment and entrepreneurship database will be created to connect returnees to job opportunities and startup support programmes.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state agencies are expected to formally receive the evacuees at the Kotoka International Airport before the rollout of the support measures begins.

The latest evacuation exercise follows similar government operations earlier this year involving Ghanaians caught in conflict situations abroad, including Israel and Libya.

In March, the government successfully evacuated Ghanaians who requested assistance to leave Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Government says the intervention reflects its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians living abroad, especially during periods of crisis and insecurity.