South Africa evacuation: Gov’t spent GH¢49.7m on 1,964 Ghanaians – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has given a breakdown of the cost involved in the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

He disclosed that the total cost of the evacuation exercise amounted to GHS 49,721,786.00, covering chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, September 7, Ablakwa affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the evacuation exercise.

He disclosed that GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation requirements.

Another GH¢10.8 million was allocated as reintegration and transportation allowances for the returning nationals.

According to the Minister, each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total support per person to GH¢5,500.

The government also spent GH¢84,274 to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the crisis, further adding to the overall cost of the exercise.

Of the GH¢49.72 million spent, he said the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

The Minister commended Ibrahim Mahama for what he described as his commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians and his support for the evacuation programme.

Beyond the financial assistance, Ablakwa said returning nationals received additional welfare support to facilitate their reintegration and help them recover from the trauma associated with the attacks.

He said psychologists and trauma counsellors were deployed to provide support upon arrival and through community-based follow-up sessions, while faith-based organisations and civil society groups also assisted with emotional and spiritual support.

The evacuees further benefited from free medical screening by Port Health, health insurance registration through the National Health Insurance Authority, and free SIM cards loaded with data and airtime from telecommunications companies.

Other support included food packages from the National Buffer Stock Company, psychosocial assistance, logistics, hot meals and water from the International Organization for Migration, NADMO and the Red Cross.

He commended the Church of Pentecost for providing free accommodation for some of the returnees in Pretoria, Kempton Park and Johannesburg.

Ablakwa said government was now considering longer-term economic empowerment initiatives to help the returning nationals rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into their communities.

Source: citinewsroom.com