The second batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks arrived safely at the Accra International Airport on Saturday, June 6, at about 9:00 p.m.
A total of 345 returnees were received by government officials as part of an ongoing evacuation exercise aimed at bringing home Ghanaians who wish to leave South Africa amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment and security concerns.
The latest arrivals join hundreds of compatriots who were repatriated in the first phase of the operation. The first batch of approximately 300 evacuees arrived in Ghana on May 27.
The evacuation follows the government’s commitment to assist Ghanaians affected by the renewed wave of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where reports of attacks, intimidation and destruction of property have heightened fears among foreign nationals.
According to officials, more than 1,500 Ghanaians have registered for repatriation, reflecting increasing concerns within the Ghanaian community in South Africa.
Speaking during the reception, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured the returnees that government was exploring legal avenues to seek compensation for losses suffered during the attacks.
“We are preparing legal action to secure compensation for items you may have lost in South Africa,” he stated.
Also present at the airport to welcome the evacuees were the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh; Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, James Gyakye Quayson, and other government officials.
Authorities have indicated that another flight carrying more than 300 evacuees is expected to arrive in Ghana on Sunday, June 7, as the evacuation exercise continues.
Adomonline’s photojournalist Joseph Odotei was present to capture key moments from the event.
