26 detained Ghanaians among evacuees from South Africa – Ablakwa

Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has disclosed that 26 Ghanaians detained in South Africa over alleged visa violations have been released and brought home.

It is part of the government’s ongoing rescue operation following recent xenophobic attacks and insecurity in parts of that country.

The 26 were among the first batch of 300 Ghanaians who arrived at the Accra International Airport in Accra on Tuesday aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight under a government-led evacuation exercise initiated by President John Dramani Mahama.

Addressing the evacuees during a reception ceremony at the airport, Mr. Ablakwa said the government had engaged South African authorities to ensure that no Ghanaian affected by the crisis was left behind.

“We negotiated with the South African government that since we are evacuating our nationals, we don’t want to leave anybody behind in prison,” the Minister stated.

According to him, the South African authorities accepted Ghana’s request, leading to the release and repatriation of all 26 detainees.

“So now, there is no Ghanaian in any South African prison for visa violations. We have brought all of them back home,” Mr. Ablakwa added.

The Minister thanked South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola, and other South African authorities for their cooperation during the evacuation process.

Mr. Ablakwa, who recently travelled to South Africa on the instructions of President Mahama to assess the situation and coordinate evacuation efforts, said the government remained committed to protecting Ghanaians wherever they found themselves.

“Today, the Mahama administration is demonstrating that wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected, your dignity is respected, and we will go to the length of this world to bring you back home safely,” he said.

The Minister disclosed that the government had arranged transportation allowances and reintegration support packages for the evacuees to help them restart their lives in Ghana.

He added that psychologists, nurses, and medical doctors had also been deployed to provide psychosocial and health support for the returnees following the trauma many endured during the unrest in South Africa.

Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, who welcomed the evacuees on behalf of President Mahama, assured the returnees that the government would continue to stand by them despite the difficult experiences they encountered abroad.

“He had sleepless nights, and that is why he ensured that you are in Ghana safely.” Mr. Debrah said of the President.

The Chief of Staff described the return of the evacuees as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

“As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself,” he stated.

Mr. Debrah also reflected on Ghana’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that Ghana had welcomed many South Africans during difficult periods in their country’s history.

“During the apartheid period, Ghana welcomed them home. Most of their children had their education here in Ghana, and we lived together harmoniously,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, Mr. Victor Atsu Tagoe expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the Government of Ghana for facilitating their safe return home.

“It wasn’t easy for us. I even got a bullet in my spine due to a hijacking incident there in South Africa,” he recounted emotionally.

Mr. Tagoe described the evacuation exercise as timely and lifesaving and said many of the returnees were relieved to finally return home safely.

“I am really happy to come back home. Home sweet home,” he said.

The evacuation follows renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner tensions in parts of South Africa, which have heightened concerns among African governments and migrant communities across the continent.

The incidents have reignited debate over migration, African solidarity, and the protection of African migrants within the framework of Pan-Africanism and regional integration.

Earlier this month, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for Cairo, Egypt.

In the diplomatic communication signed by Mr. Ablakwa, Ghana described the attacks as a threat to African unity and contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Government officials say additional batches of registered Ghanaian evacuees are expected to arrive in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home all citizens willing to return from South Africa.

Source: GNA