Ablakwa Defends GH¢49.72m South Africa Evacuation Cost
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that government expended GH¢49.72 million on flights, feeding, accommodation, medical care and reintegration for one thousand nine hundred and sixty four Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa, in a comprehensive intervention aimed at safeguarding citizen welfare. The expenditure underscores state’s commitment to consular protection amid volatile circumstances abroad.
According to #Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister explained that the allocation covered chartered flight operations, temporary lodging, sustenance, health screening and post-arrival reintegration support to ensure dignified repatriation. He emphasized that the operation was executed under stringent financial oversight and in adherence to established procurement and diplomatic protocols.
The minister is quoted as stating that the evacuation became imperative due to heightened vulnerabilities facing Ghanaian nationals, necessitating swift humanitarian response. He is further quoted as affirming that every cedi disbursed was judiciously utilized to guarantee safety, comfort and seamless resettlement of affected compatriots.
Analysts note that Ghana has historically undertaken evacuation exercises from conflict prone and distressed jurisdictions, with South Africa emerging as a critical hotspot due to periodic xenophobic agitations and socio-economic strains impacting foreign nationals. The latest operation reflects evolving consular diplomacy where citizen protection remains central to foreign policy architecture.
Government maintains that lessons from the exercise will inform establishment of a sustainable contingency fund, enhanced diaspora engagement and proactive early warning mechanisms to mitigate future crises. Authorities have assured transparency, pledging to submit detailed accounts to relevant oversight committees while reaffirming dedication to welfare of Ghanaians in the diaspora.
Source: #Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Author: Korkor Anumu
