In addition, the government said the evacuees would be granted a “Re-integration Allowance” to support their resettlement and adjustment after returning from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana has announced a comprehensive support package for Ghanaian citizens being evacuated from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
In a public notice on Wednesday ,May 20, 2026 titled “Evacuation from South Africa,” the Ghanaian government said affected citizens returning home would receive several forms of assistance aimed at easing their reintegration into society and helping them recover from the trauma associated with the attacks.
According to the statement issued by the ministry, “all Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks shall be entitled” to a range of welfare and reintegration benefits upon arrival in Ghana.
The government listed a “Welcome Home Financial Package” as part of the immediate relief measures for the evacuees. Authorities also announced that returnees would receive “Transportation Assistance to their various destinations across Ghana” to ensure smooth movement from arrival points to their hometowns and communities.
In addition, the government said the evacuees would be granted a “Re-integration Allowance” to support their resettlement and adjustment after returning from South Africa.
Recognising the emotional and psychological impact of the attacks and displacement, the ministry disclosed that affected citizens would also receive “Free Psychosocial Support” as part of efforts to help them cope with trauma and stress arising from the crisis.
The statement further revealed that returnees would be entered into “a special database for Jobs and Startup Opportunities,” a move designed to help affected citizens rebuild their livelihoods and access economic opportunities after their evacuation.
The Ghanaian government reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its citizens, declaring, “We value and cherish all our citizens.”
The announcement comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where immigrants and foreign nationals from several African countries have reportedly faced threats, attacks, and intimidation in some communities. Such incidents have previously triggered diplomatic concerns across the continent and prompted calls for stronger protection of African migrants living in South Africa.
While the Ghanaian authorities did not specify the exact number of citizens expected to be evacuated, the intervention signals growing concern over the safety of Ghanaians residing in the country.
The evacuation and support programme is expected to be coordinated through the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier in May, SaharaReporters reported that the Government of Ghana approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying President John Mahama granted presidential approval for the evacuation exercise.
According to the minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier complied with an advisory issued by the Foreign Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation assistance amid growing security concerns.
“His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Ablakwa said.
He explained that the evacuees are among Ghanaian citizens who sought rescue after renewed xenophobic violence erupted in parts of South Africa.
