Ghana has escaped South Africa’s move to recover part of the costs incurred in repatriating foreign nationals following recent xenophobic attacks.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs says it spent nearly 18 million dollars on accommodation, transportation and other logistics for migrants who requested assistance to return to their home countries.
The department has formally written to Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, seeking reimbursement for part of the expenses.
Ghana, however, is not among the countries being asked to contribute, after choosing to independently fund the evacuation of its citizens.
More than 1,600 Ghanaians have so far been repatriated through a combination of chartered and commercial flights in an exercise financed by the Government of Ghana, with support from private businesses.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, returnees received reintegration support, transport fares and relief items to help them resettle.
The swift response by Ghana has been widely praised, with many describing it as a proactive effort that protected citizens and saved lives.
Sources indicate that South African authorities had offered to support Ghana’s repatriation exercise, but the offer was declined.
Briefing South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, officials said a significant portion of the expenditure covered bus rentals, temporary accommodation facilities, staff overtime, food and other operational costs.
Director-General of Home Affairs, Tommy Makhode, said although some countries provided limited assistance, South Africa carried most of the financial burden.
“Letters have been sent to the embassies of these countries and we are awaiting responses,” he stated.
South Africa is now seeking to recover part of the costs from the affected countries, while Ghana’s decision to independently manage its repatriation process appears to have shielded it from any financial obligations.
