Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has commended The Church of Pentecost for providing shelter and humanitarian support to about 500 Ghanaians who fled the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
He made the remarks after meeting the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, to convey the appreciation of the government and people of Ghana for the church’s support.
Branches of The Church of Pentecost in Johannesburg, Pretoria West and Kempton Park sheltered the affected Ghanaians for about two months before their evacuation by the government, while also providing them with food and clothing.
Mr Ablakwa said the government was grateful to the church for its intervention during the difficult period.
“On behalf of His Excellency John Mahama, and the Foreign Ministry of Ghana, I conveyed our eternal gratitude to The Church of Pentecost,” he said.
He also commended the church for its consistent humanitarian support to Ghanaians in distress abroad.
“I also commended the church for their inspiring consistency in providing humanitarian support to Ghanaians in distress abroad, particularly during the Russian-Ukraine conflict and during the COVID pandemic,” he added.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry and The Church of Pentecost have also agreed to deepen collaboration on consular assistance for Ghanaians abroad, with the church maintaining branches in 210 overseas territories.
Meanwhile, the government says the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa is ongoing, with more than 1,600 nationals so far brought back home safely.
This morning, I called on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye to convey the appreciation of Government and the good people of Ghana for the outstanding Christ-like demonstration of compassion as demonstrated by the Church’s branches in South Africa.… pic.twitter.com/I2H8EZRNMN
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 12, 2026
