Ghanaians recently evacuated from South Africa have expressed outrage over what they describe as public humiliation and unfair criticism following their return home, while making an emotional appeal for the government to rescue 46 additional Ghanaians reportedly stranded in South Africa.
The returnees, who fled difficult conditions linked to xenophobic attacks, say the growing controversy surrounding the government’s evacuation expenditure has worsened their emotional distress.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, October 26, 2026, Michael Addo, leader of the Aggrieved South Africa Evacuees, accused sections of the public, media and political opposition of turning their painful experiences into political controversy.
46 Ghanaians Still Waiting for Rescue
According to Addo, 46 Ghanaians who were expected to benefit from the evacuation exercise remain in South Africa, desperately hoping to return home.
He explained that the intense public criticism had made the returnees hesitant to approach the government for additional assistance.
Addo stressed that many stranded Ghanaians lacked the financial resources to fund their journeys home.
He appealed for continued government intervention, arguing that political disagreements should not prevent vulnerable citizens from receiving assistance.
GH¢49.72 Million Evacuation Expenditure Sparks Controversy
The controversy follows revelations that the Ghanaian government spent approximately GH¢49.72 million evacuating 1,964 citizens from South Africa.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expenditure covered chartered flights, accommodation, feeding, transportation and medical assistance.
Each returnee was reportedly allocated GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation.
However, the Minority in Parliament has questioned the expenditure, raising concerns about financial accountability and demanding greater transparency over the operation.
Addo rejected suggestions that the returnees had been denied their promised financial assistance, insisting that beneficiaries received the support packages allocated to them.
“Our Pain Has Been Reduced to Humiliation”
The evacuees argued that the public debate had overshadowed the suffering they endured abroad.
They maintained that although accountability in government spending remains important, it should not come at the expense of the dignity and emotional well-being of vulnerable citizens.
Addo also expressed appreciation to the government for facilitating their return, describing the intervention as significant for Ghanaians who had experienced xenophobic hostility.
Meanwhile, the unresolved plight of the 46 stranded citizens has raised fresh concerns about whether further evacuation arrangements will be made.
The returnees are urging authorities to prioritize bringing their fellow Ghanaians home while addressing questions surrounding the rescue operation.
