By Emmanuel Nduka
The Government of Ghana has commenced arrangements to evacuate its citizens willing to return home following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, assuring that no Ghanaian would be abandoned amid the growing tensions.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, disclosed that close to 200 Ghanaians had already indicated interest in voluntary repatriation as authorities intensify efforts to protect nationals affected by the violence.
Speaking during an interview on PM Express, Quashie said the Ghanaian government had directed its mission in South Africa to compile names of citizens seeking assistance to return home.
“So we’ve been asked by the Minister to gather the names of the Ghanaians. After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home,” he said.
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would cover the cost of travel documentation and transportation for affected citizens, including emergency travel certificates for those without passports.
“The whole understanding is that we don’t want to leave any Ghanaian at the mercy of any other national. Ghanaians are valued in Ghana,” the envoy stated.
The development comes shortly after the government facilitated the return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, a Ghanaian national whose ordeal gained public attention after a viral video linked to the recent attacks surfaced online.
Quashie revealed that Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama had offered employment to Asamoah to help him reintegrate into society and inspire other Ghanaians facing hardship abroad.
“Fortunately, Mr Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted,” Quashie said.
He added that Mahama hopes Asamoah’s story would encourage other stranded Ghanaians to rebuild their lives back home.
“Mr Ibrahim indicated to him that he wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make a difference in his life”.
The High Commissioner noted that many Ghanaians living in South Africa had suffered repeated losses due to recurring xenophobic attacks despite years of hard work and investment.
“There are a lot of Ghanaians in South Africa. Some of them are doing very well. Some are working in the mines. Some are working in hospitals. Some are lecturers here and there. But these are people who believe that, over the years, they struggle, put up a business. Xenophobic attacks happen. They lose everything,” he lamented.
He further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with businesses and stakeholders in Ghana to create employment and reintegration opportunities for returning citizens.
