On September 25, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa at a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in New York. He dismissed complaints from some returnees who expressed regret over returning to Ghana, stating that the safety, welfare and dignity of citizens remain a priority.
Ablakwa said the government would not be deterred by criticism from some returnees who have expressed regret over returning to Ghana. He added that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of Ghanaians and that those who are recovered from harm’s way, from conflict, from crisis, from xenophobic attacks, and who are back home safely to peaceful and democratic Ghana, can begin to make all statements, grant media interviews, and all of that.
His remarks followed concerns raised by Kofi Baah, one of the Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, who said he regretted returning because employment opportunities he said were promised to returnees had not materialised. Speaking on Max TV on September 24, Mr Baah said he had received GH¢5,000 in government support, but the amount had not been enough to meet the needs of his family of four children. He said part of the money was used to secure accommodation after his return.
According to Mr Baah, the promise of jobs was a major factor that convinced many returnees to leave South Africa. He said four months after returning to Ghana, he was yet to secure a job despite submitting his curriculum vitae as requested. Mr Baah claimed that whenever he followed up, he was told his details had been forwarded to companies, but no employment opportunity had materialised.
Ablakwa’s comments came in the wake of reports that some of the returnees had expected employment opportunities after their return but were yet to secure jobs. He said, “I’ve had comments and seen some media reports of one or two people who have said they have been evacuated back home and they are beginning to regret. If that is the thank you we get, no problem, but we are not deterred.”
The government’s evacuation operation was carried out in response to a surge of xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa in early 2026. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged support for returnees, critics argue that the promised job placements and other reintegration measures have fallen short. The Ministry has yet to release a detailed plan for the employment of the returnees.
Going forward, the ministry is expected to outline a clearer framework for job placement and support for returnees. The Ghanaian community in New York and other diaspora groups are watching closely to see whether the government’s assurances translate into tangible outcomes for those who have fled conflict abroad.
