Ghana Foreign Affairs Ministry Clarifies No Repatriation Payment to So

The Ghanaian government has assured its citizens that it will not reimburse South Africa for the repatriation of Ghanaian nationals following recent xenophobic attacks in the country. The assurance was given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

Ghana Funded Its Own Evacuation Efforts

The Ministry stated that Ghana had fully funded the evacuation of its nationals, with financial support from Ghanaian partners. "For the avoidance of doubt, Ghana did not seek any financial or material support from the South African Government to bring our fellow nationals back home," the statement said.

According to the Ministry, the evacuation exercise had been financed entirely by the Ghanaian government and its partners. This includes the latest round of evacuations, which had also been funded by the Ghanaian government.

Repatriation Costs Estimated at $18 Million

The clarification by the Ministry follows reports that South Africa is seeking about $18 million in reimbursement from several African countries for expenses associated with housing, transporting, and facilitating the return of foreign nationals. The Ministry stated that Ghana's evacuation exercise had been financed entirely by the Ghanaian government and its partners, and that the country will not be listed among those being requested to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals.

Since May 2026, more than 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa, according to the Ministry, with the exercise still ongoing. The government has also provided additional support to the returnees after their arrival in Ghana, including reintegration funds, transport fares, and other relief items.

Government Commitment to Protecting Citizens Abroad

The Ministry stressed that the government's commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad remains unchanged. It stated that the government will continue to take timely and decisive action whenever their safety and security are at risk.

The Ministry also expressed gratitude to President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners for ensuring that the evacuation of affected Ghanaians was fully funded by Ghana. The statement read, "Ghanaians can therefore be assured that under no circumstances will Ghana be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals."

In conclusion, the Ghanaian government's decision to fund its own evacuation efforts and not seek reimbursement from South Africa reflects its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. The evacuation exercise, which has seen over 1,600 Ghanaians return home since May 2026, is a testament to the government's efforts to ensure the safety and security of its nationals.

Source: JOY