Ghana Pursues Compensation for Businesses Affected by Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The Ghanaian government is actively working to secure compensation for citizens whose businesses and properties were abandoned due to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, stated that Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is utilizing both diplomatic and legal channels to ensure victims receive redress for their losses.

How is the government facilitating the compensation process?

• Officials are currently in the process of valuing the businesses left behind to determine the appropriate compensation for each owner.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaged in active discussions with South African authorities to facilitate these compensation claims.
• Minister Ablakwa has reportedly placed all available options on the table, indicating that the government is exploring multiple avenues to ensure successful outcomes for the affected business owners.

What is the current status of the repatriation exercise?

The evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa is currently underway as part of a government-led effort to ensure the safety of nationals amidst growing hostility toward foreigners. Key developments in this process include:

• The first group of 300 evacuees arrived at Accra International Airport on Wednesday, May 27, via an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
• Upon arrival, the returnees were welcomed by senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff and Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
• The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) provided immediate relief, such as food and non-food items, to the returnees.
• The government is finalizing a comprehensive reintegration program that is expected to include financial assistance, business startup support, and other resettlement interventions.
• Additional evacuation flights are being coordinated for the coming weeks to assist those who have registered for help.

Although authorities initially planned for the evacuation to begin on May 21, the process was temporarily postponed. The delay was necessitated by a surge in the number of Ghanaians registering for assistance, which far exceeded original government expectations.

This increase required a review of essential logistics, including travel documentation, accommodation planning, and flight coordination.

Also Read: Government Welcomes First Batch of Ghanaian Evacuees From South Africa

Source: ghananewspage.com