Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has commended The Church of Pentecost for providing critical support to more than 500 Ghanaians who fled xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Mr. Ablakwa, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Chairman and the entire congregation of the Church for offering shelter and other essential support to the affected Ghanaians.
For more than two months, the Church provided free accommodation, clothing and meals to the stranded citizens while they awaited government intervention.
The Minister described the gesture as a significant humanitarian intervention that helped protect the affected Ghanaians from further harm.
The government has since commenced the second phase of its voluntary repatriation exercise following persistent appeals from stranded Ghanaian nationals for assistance.
More than 600 Ghanaians have so far been evacuated through commercial flights, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated from South Africa since June to more than 1,600.
Mr. Ablakwa said additional Ghanaians would be evacuated in the coming days before the second phase of the exercise is concluded.
Church Calls for Stronger Collaboration
The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, also called for stronger collaboration between the Church and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide timely assistance to Ghanaians who encounter crises abroad.
He said the Church could serve as a first responder in emergency situations, particularly in countries where Ghana does not have a diplomatic mission.
Apostle Nyamekye stressed that closer collaboration between the Church and government could help ensure that Ghanaian nationals in distress receive immediate support while longer-term government interventions are being arranged.
Story by : Odeefuo Kwesi Berchie
