Ghana evacuated 1,964 nationals from South Africa after worsening security conditions and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
The exercise ran from May 27 to September 4, 2026, using chartered and commercial flights. Vulnerable groups, including children, women, the aged and sick, were prioritised on the first flight.
Ablakwa said the evacuation was not planned for in the original budget but government acted to protect Ghanaians.
“The lives protected and the dignity of Ghanaians far outweighs the cost,” he disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The exercise cost Ghc49.72 million, covering flights, transport, accommodation, feeding, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who d!ed during the crisis.
Government provided Ghc33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, contributed Ghc16 million.
Each returnee also received GH¢5,000 for reintegration and GH¢500 for transportation.
