Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, on Wednesday consoled and encouraged Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa to remain hopeful despite the trauma endured during recent xenophobic attacks and insecurity in that country.
“Once there is life, there is hope,” Mr. Debrah told the returnees as the government welcomed the first batch of 300 evacuees at the Accra International Airport.
The evacuees, made up of men, women, and children, arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight under a government-led evacuation exercise initiated by President John Dramani Mahama following renewed anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa.
Receiving the first batch of 300 returnees on behalf of the President, Mr. Debrah said the government remained committed to protecting Ghanaians both home and abroad.
“He had sleepless nights, and that is why he has lived by his promise and ensured that you are in Ghana safely,” the Chief of Staff said of President Mahama.
Mr. Debrah said although the President would have personally welcomed the evacuees, official engagements relating to the Islamic festivities prevented him from attending the reception ceremony.
“Home sweet home,” the Chief of Staff told the visibly emotional evacuees amid applause and scenes of relief at the airport.
He acknowledged the suffering, hatred, and mistreatment many of the returnees experienced during the unrest in South Africa but urged them not to lose faith in life and their future.
“It is unfair, so we have not taken it lightly,” he stated.
Mr. Debrah assured the evacuees that the government stood by them as they reintegrated into society and rebuilt their lives in Ghana.
“As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself,” he added.
The Chief of Staff also reflected on Ghana’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, recalling how Ghana welcomed many South Africans during difficult periods in their country’s history.
“During the apartheid period, Ghana welcomed them home. Most of their children had their education here in Ghana. We lived together harmoniously,” he noted.
Mr. Debrah expressed optimism that the evacuees would find new opportunities back home despite the setbacks they experienced abroad.
“For all you know, it is God’s plan and purpose to meet your destiny helper in Ghana,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the evacuees in a solemn prayer of thanksgiving for their safe return.
The Minister said the government would continue to ensure that Ghanaians abroad were protected and treated with dignity.
“Wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected, your dignity is respected, and we will go to the length of this world to bring you back home safely.” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He announced that the evacuees would receive transportation allowances and reintegration support packages to help them settle and rebuild their lives.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that among the evacuees were 26 Ghanaians who had been detained in South Africa for alleged visa violations but were released following diplomatic negotiations between Ghana and South African authorities.
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“We negotiated with the South African government that since we are evacuating our nationals, we don’t want to leave anybody behind in prison,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, Mr. Victor Atsu Tagoe thanked President Mahama and the Government of Ghana for rescuing them from what he described as a dangerous situation.
“It wasn’t easy for us. I even got a bullet in my spine due to a hijacking incident there in South Africa,” he recounted emotionally.
Mr. Tagoe, who said he had lived in South Africa for 16 years, expressed gratitude for the support and warm reception extended to the evacuees.
“I am really happy to come back home. Home sweet home,” he said.
The evacuation follows recent xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa, which have heightened fears among migrant communities and triggered continental concern over the safety of African nationals living abroad.
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Earlier this month, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for Cairo, Egypt.
Government officials say more Ghanaians are expected to arrive in the coming days as efforts continue to evacuate all registered citizens willing to return from South Africa.
