One of the Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa has opened up about the ordeal he endured amid renewed xenophobic attacks, describing the violence and hardship many migrants allegedly faced before being brought back home.
The returnee, who arrived in Accra on Wednesday with the first batch of evacuees, spoke to journalists at the airport while showing visible bruises and marks on his body, which he said were from physical assaults he suffered in South Africa.
According to him, the situation became increasingly unbearable for many Ghanaians living there, with some reportedly detained, stranded, or left without support.
“God bless Ghanaian leaders for thinking about us and bringing us back,” he said.
“People who were in jail and those who were in great need and suffering have been brought back.”
Recounting his own experience, he said he narrowly escaped more serious harm during the attacks.
“Personally, I suffered beatings. Look at my marks. It is God that brought me here,” he stated.
Despite the pain he says he endured, the evacuee called for peace and forgiveness rather than revenge.
“I have forgiven anyone who offended me. They [South Africa] should also forgive me. I don’t believe we should retaliate,” he added.
He also commended the Ghanaian government for intervening and organising the evacuation exercise to bring stranded citizens home safely.
“Our government thinks about us. We want peace, not pieces,” he said.
The evacuation exercise forms part of government efforts to protect Ghanaians affected by renewed hostility against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
Officials say the returnees will receive medical care, counselling, and reintegration support as they begin rebuilding their lives back home.
