The government spent a total of GH¢49.72 million to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, September 7, the minister provided a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, saying the government was committed to transparency and accountability in the handling of the evacuation exercise.
“In strict adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability, I can today report that the total cost of evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa amounted to GH¢49,721,786.”
According to the Minister, GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, food, hotel accommodation in South Africa, and medical and hospitalisation needs.
A further GH¢10.8 million was allocated to reintegration and transportation allowances for the 1,964 returnees.
Hon Ablakwa explained that each evacuee received GH¢5,000 as reintegration support and GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total allowance to GH¢5,500 per person.
“So, 5,500 times the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated, and you will get the 10.8 million cedi figure,” he explained.
The evacuation expenditure also included GH¢84,274 for the repatriation of the mortal remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.
Although the total cost of the exercise stood at GH¢49.72 million, the government did not bear the entire amount.
The government contributed GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, donated GH¢16 million towards the exercise.
“The government of Ghana would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr Ibrahim Mahama for his extraordinary commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians,” hon Ablakwa said.
