Some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa after xenophobic attacks have rejected allegations that they failed to receive relief packages from the government.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Michael Addo said the evacuees lost all their personal belongings and property during the attacks and returned home with nothing, forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.
He explained that reintegration has been difficult because of false rumours circulating on social media about the evacuation process.
“Imagine going to another country, setting up yourself, having businesses, and all of a sudden they say ‘Go back to your country.’ You don’t go with anything, not even a pin from your shop. You left everything behind. Come back home, starting from scratch,” Addo said.
He contrasted the relative safety of life in Ghana with the constant fear faced by Ghanaians in South Africa, where many cannot speak freely in public for fear of being attacked because they are foreigners.
Addo expressed disappointment that the goodwill shown to the group has become the focus of damaging allegations directed at both the individuals and the government that assisted them. He stressed that every evacuee can confirm receiving support and that Ghanaians would not remain silent if money or relief items meant for them had gone missing.
“How then have we suddenly become ghosts, haunted by allegations that we did not come home to receive exact amounts of money and relief packages from government?” he asked.
While still recovering from trauma, Addo said some elements in the minority NPP and their allies in the media are attempting to create an impression of wrongdoing against the government.
He revealed that 46 Ghanaians who were meant to be evacuated remain in South Africa and are now afraid to return because of the circulating rumours. He appealed for urgent steps to rescue those still stranded so they can also come home safely.
