Minority Commends Government Evacuation of Ghanaians From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Unrest

Ghana’s parliamentary opposition has offered rare praise for the government’s handling of the evacuation of citizens from South Africa, where a wave of xenophobic violence has forced hundreds of Ghanaians to seek emergency repatriation.

Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Damongo, described the ongoing evacuation operation as “commendable” during an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 30. His remarks signalled a moment of cross-party consensus on a crisis that has dominated national discourse in recent weeks.

The first batch of 300 evacuees arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, with government officials pledging continued efforts to bring home all citizens who wish to return. An additional 600 Ghanaians have since registered at the country’s High Commission in South Africa for evacuation, as the government intensifies its coordination efforts.

“The efforts the government is making are welcomed and commendable,” Mr Jinapor stated, adding that the Minority had consistently called for the deployment of all available logistics and resources to ensure the safe return of affected nationals.

However, the Damongo MP acknowledged that the operation had not been without difficulty. He described initial logistical challenges and delays as “hiccups” that had raised anxiety among stakeholders and the families of those stranded.

“At the beginning, we seemed to have been struggling with the evacuation efforts, and some of us were very concerned that it was taking that long,” he said.

The lawmaker placed the current crisis within a broader historical context, referencing Ghana’s track record of evacuating citizens from conflict zones. He cited past operations during the civil wars in Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as the large-scale repatriation of thousands of Ghanaians from Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ghana has been extraordinary in responding to its citizens in times of international crises and should maintain that standard,” Mr Jinapor said.

The xenophobic attacks in South Africa have prompted a range of responses from Ghanaian leaders. Mr Jinapor’s colleague, Abu Jinapor, has cautioned against retaliatory attacks on South African nationals in Ghana, urging restraint and measured diplomacy. Others have called for stronger continental action, with the Damongo MP himself proposing African Union sanctions against South Africa to address the recurring pattern of violence against foreign nationals.

The evacuation has also drawn commentary from beyond Ghana’s borders. Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, publicly questioned the necessity of Ghana’s response, calling it disproportionate and warning that it could escalate tensions. The Minority has urged the government to disregard these remarks, insisting that Ghanaian national interests must take precedence over external political commentary.

As the evacuation continues, attention is turning to the reintegration of returnees. Health experts have called for medical screening and psychological support to be incorporated into the government’s reintegration protocol, recognising the trauma experienced by those who lived through the violence.

The government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe and dignified return of every affected Ghanaian citizen.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE