The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Government of Ghana entirely financed the evacuation of its nationals from South Africa in response to recent xenophobic attacks.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Ministry acknowledged media reports suggesting that the South African Government was requesting reimbursement of approximately $18 million from various African nations for assistance rendered in evacuating their citizens from South Africa.
However, the Ministry emphasized that Ghana did not receive any financial or material assistance from the South African Government for the repatriation of its citizens.
“To clarify, Ghana did not request any financial or material aid from the South African Government to facilitate the return of our fellow nationals,” the statement indicated.
The Ministry noted that the most recent evacuations have also been entirely funded by the Government of Ghana and its local partners.
It revealed that since May 2026, over 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa, with the repatriation process still in progress.
Additionally, the Ministry stated that evacuees receive reintegration funds, transportation fares, and other relief supplies upon their arrival in Ghana to assist with their return and reintegration into their communities.
It assured Ghanaians that the country would not be among those requested by South Africa to reimburse the costs associated with repatriating their nationals.
The Ministry reiterated the government’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad, emphasizing its commitment to taking prompt action whenever the safety and security of its citizens are threatened.
It also expressed appreciation to President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners for their support of what it termed a fully Ghanaian-funded evacuation initiative.
