The government spent a total of GH¢49,721,786 to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians who fled violent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

The breakdown of the expenditure was disclosed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a press briefing on Monday, September 7.

According to the Minister, the amount covered the cost of chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.

Breakdown of expenditure

Out of the total amount, GH¢38.84 million was spent on the evacuation itself.

The amount covered chartered flights and tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation expenses.

A further GH¢10.8 million was allocated for reintegration support and transportation allowances for the returning nationals.

Each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and an additional GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total support per person to GH¢5,500.

The government also spent GH¢84,274 to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.

Ablakwa said the entire expenditure had been settled, with no outstanding liabilities arising from the evacuation exercise.

Of the GH¢49.72 million spent, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Minister commended Ibrahim Mahama for his contribution, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians.

Additional support for returnees

Beyond the financial assistance, the government and other organisations provided psychosocial, medical and welfare support to help the returnees reintegrate into their communities.

Ablakwa said psychologists and trauma counsellors were deployed to support the evacuees upon their arrival, while community-based follow-up sessions were also organised to assist with their emotional recovery.