The government has secured approximately 200 employment opportunities for Ghanaians returning from South Africa as part of efforts to support their reintegration following recent xenophobic attacks that forced many to seek voluntary evacuation.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the initiative during a press briefing on Monday, July 27, describing it as a major component of the government’s reintegration strategy for returning nationals.
He said the employment opportunities were secured through partnerships with Ghanaian-owned businesses and private sector organisations committed to helping returnees rebuild their lives after returning home.
“As part of the reintegration initiative, approximately 200 employment opportunities have so far been secured through partnerships with patriotic Ghanaian businesses and private sector organisations,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
According to the Minister, engineering firm Engineers & Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, has committed to employing 100 of the returnees. He added that telecommunications companies, including AirtelTigo and Telecel, as well as several other corporate institutions, have also pledged to offer jobs to some of the evacuees.
Mr Ablakwa said the government would continue engaging the private sector to secure additional employment opportunities for Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
“We will continue discussions with the private sector to expand employment opportunities for returning Ghanaian nationals,” he said.
The Minister also outlined additional measures aimed at ensuring the successful reintegration of the returnees. He disclosed that trained social workers will conduct regular follow-up visits during the first six months after their arrival in Ghana to monitor their welfare and provide the necessary support.
He also announced the establishment of a dedicated helpline to offer counselling and mental health support to returnees dealing with trauma arising from their experiences during the attacks.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the reintegration package forms part of the government’s broader response to the renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have displaced hundreds of Ghanaians and prompted a large-scale voluntary evacuation exercise.
He said the objective is not only to bring affected citizens home safely but also to help them regain their livelihoods and reintegrate successfully into society.
So far, more than 900 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa, with an additional 1,000 expected to return during the second phase of the ongoing repatriation exercise.
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