340 more Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa; Ghana to pursue compensation for their businesses in South Africa - Ablakwa

Ghana is actively seeking compensation for its citizens who lost businesses and property during their evacuation from South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the government is initiating legal processes to secure restitution for the assets lost by the returnees.

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We are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses, your shops and what have you.

Speaking at Accra International Airport upon welcoming the second batch of 340 evacuees, Ablakwa assured the returnees that the government would not abandon them. "We are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses, your shops and what have you," he declared. The government is compiling necessary documentation, including addresses and supporting evidence for houses, schools, and shops, to build its case.

President John Dramani Mahama is also set to petition the African Union at its upcoming mid-year coordinating meeting to advocate for justice and compensation. This diplomatic push aims to address the grievances of the Ghanaian diaspora who faced significant losses.

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We are putting together legal processes that we will activate to ensure that those properties you invested in… we are going to make sure we obtain compensation for you.

Beyond legal and diplomatic efforts, the Ghanaian government is facilitating the reintegration of evacuees into the job market. Approximately 200 employment opportunities have already been secured through the initiative of Ghanaian Chief Executive Officers and entrepreneurs. Notably, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama of Engineers and Planners has offered 100 jobs, with AirtelTigo and Telecel also pledging support. The Association of Ghana Industries and other CEOs have committed to assisting the returnees' integration, recognizing their valuable contributions to the economy, which saw diaspora remittances reach $7.8 billion last year.

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I’m so impressed that already about 200 jobs have been secured for you. Leading the pack is Mr Ibrahim Mahama of Engineers and Planners; he has offered 100 jobs. AirtelTigo and Telecel, they have also reached out that they have some jobs to offer.