Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has slammed the government's GH¢5,500 support package for Ghanaian evacuees returning from South Africa, citing it as insufficient. The package, announced by the government, includes a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant, a GH¢500 travel and transport allowance, relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and free registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Evacuation Exercise Underway
The two-phase evacuation exercise, which is expected to bring home nearly 2,000 Ghanaians, has already seen 926 returnees arrive in the country. The first phase of the exercise was completed, and the second phase is expected to facilitate the return of about 1,000 more. The government has announced that it will provide a comprehensive account of the evacuation exercise after its completion.
Reintegration Support Lacking
Mr Ablakwa expressed concern that the support package was not sufficient to help the returnees rebuild their lives after returning under difficult circumstances. He stated that the government was implementing additional reintegration measures, including job opportunities, skills training, and entrepreneurship support for the returnees. However, he did not provide further details on these measures.
Petition to African Union
The minister also announced that the government had petitioned the African Union (AU) to urgently address recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian and other African nationals in South Africa. The petition highlighted issues including loss of lives, attacks on African migrants, destruction of businesses, and threats to continental unity and integration. Mr Ablakwa stressed that the petition was not intended to target South Africa but rather to promote a collective continental response to protect the rights and dignity of African citizens.
Job Opportunities Secured
Despite Mr Ablakwa's concerns, the government has secured job opportunities for the returnees. Engineers and Planners Limited has committed 100 positions, while Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo, and other companies have also offered employment opportunities. The government has also established a register of claims to support legal and diplomatic efforts aimed at seeking compensation for returnees who lost businesses and property during xenophobic attacks.
Psychosocial Support
To provide psychosocial support, social workers will conduct follow-up visits with the returnees for six months, while a dedicated helpline has been established to assist them. The government will also launch a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma against returnees. However, Mr Ablakwa's comments suggest that more needs to be done to support the returnees.
Conclusion
The GH¢5,500 support package for Ghanaian evacuees returning from South Africa is a welcome step, but it may not be enough to address the needs of the returnees. The government's additional reintegration measures, including job opportunities and skills training, are a positive development. However, the lack of detail on these measures and the insufficient support package have raised concerns. The government's petition to the African Union to address xenophobic attacks is a necessary step, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be in protecting the rights and dignity of African citizens.
Source: Joy Online
