Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

Ghana’s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.

Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nation’s response would not end with evacuation.

“We are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,” he said. “The government of Ghana has decided that 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 and your shops.”

The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghana’s claim.

“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require,” he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.

Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.

“President Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,” he stated.

While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:

“Yes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behind… but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.”

Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghana’s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.

Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.

Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghana’s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.

“We value you because you have always contributed to this economy,” he said.

These are the most relevant stories trending in Ghana today. Stay informed!

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Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the government will seek compensation for Ghanaians who lost properties and businesses in South African xenophobic attacks. While receiving evacuees, he noted documentation of losses and plans to petition the African Union, per President Mahama’s directive. Over 200 jobs have been secured for returnees through corporate support. Read the full story here

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