The Ghanaian government has announced a comprehensive support package for approximately 300 nationals being evacuated from South Africa following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign migrants. The assistance, revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, aims to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of these citizens.
Comprehensive Support Measures
The support package includes crucial elements designed to aid evacuees upon their arrival in Ghana. Each individual will receive financial assistance, transportation to their home regions within Ghana, and a reintegration allowance.
Furthermore, the government is providing psychological counseling to help individuals cope with the trauma of the attacks and their displacement. Access to employment and business opportunities will also be facilitated through a special database, aiming to help returnees rebuild their lives.
Evacuation Details and Timeline
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, detailed these measures ahead of the first group’s arrival in Accra on Thursday. The evacuees are expected on a chartered flight departing Johannesburg’s Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport. This evacuation follows urgent appeals from Ghanaians stranded in South Africa, expressing fears for their safety amid escalating violence.
President John Dramani Mahama had previously approved the immediate evacuation of 300 distressed Ghanaians registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria. The government has made arrangements for the reception of these returnees, ensuring immediate access to necessary support services.
Inter-Agency Coordination
A coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies will manage the reception and reintegration process. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, alongside health professionals and other state entities, are set to oversee these operations.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quarshie, confirmed that the mission had been actively engaging with South African authorities. These engagements were aimed at ensuring the protection of Ghanaian nationals and monitoring potential threats.
South African Authorities’ Response
Mr. Quarshie noted that South African authorities have expressed regret over the attacks. They have also facilitated immigration procedures to ensure the safe departure of affected Ghanaians. The High Commission maintained regular communication with security agencies and municipal authorities to stay abreast of developments.
Background of Xenophobic Violence
Xenophobic violence has been a recurring issue in South Africa for over a decade. These outbreaks are often linked to economic tensions and competition for jobs and resources, disproportionately affecting migrants from other African nations, particularly those from West Africa.
During a recent joint commission meeting, Mr. Ablakwa condemned the attacks as
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