The Government of Ghana has dismissed reports suggesting it owes South Africa money for the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals following recent xenophobic attacks, insisting that the repatriation exercise was fully financed by Ghana.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said media reports claiming the South African government was seeking reimbursement of about US$18 million from several African countries did not apply to Ghana.
The Ministry stressed that the evacuation of all Ghanaian nationals from South Africa was funded entirely by the Government of Ghana, with 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 same funding arrangement has been maintained for the latest phase of evacuations, with all associated costs borne by Ghana and its partners.
The Ministry disclosed that more than 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026, with the evacuation exercise still ongoing.
It added that returning nationals are provided with reintegration support, including transport fares, financial assistance and other relief items to facilitate their resettlement.
The government said the intervention reflects its commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians abroad and responding swiftly whenever their safety is threatened.
It also assured the public that Ghana would not be included among countries expected to reimburse South Africa for the repatriation of foreign nationals.
“The Government will continue to take timely and decisive action whenever the safety and security of Ghanaians abroad are at risk, regardless of the cost required,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry further expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian partners for supporting what it described as a fully Ghanaian-funded evacuation of citizens affected by the attacks.
