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The government has secured approximately 200 employment opportunities for Ghanaians returning from South Africa, as part of a broader reintegration programme aimed at helping evacuees rebuild their lives following renewed xenophobic attacks.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the initiative during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, July 27, 2026.
According to the Minister, the jobs were secured through partnerships with Ghanaian-owned businesses and private sector organisations committed to supporting returnees.
“As part of the reintegration initiative, approximately 200 employment opportunities have so far been secured through partnerships with patriotic Ghanaian businesses and private sector organisations,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
He disclosed that engineering firm Engineers & Planners, led by Ibrahim Mahama, has committed to employing 100 of the returning Ghanaians.
Telecommunications companies including AirtelTigo and Telecel, as well as other corporate institutions, have also pledged to absorb some of the evacuees across various roles.
“We will continue discussions with the private sector to expand employment opportunities for returning Ghanaian nationals,” the Foreign Affairs Minister added.
Beyond job placement, Mr. Ablakwa said the government has introduced a package of support measures to ensure the long-term reintegration of returnees into Ghanaian society.
As part of the plan, trained social workers will conduct regular follow-up visits to returnees for the first six months after their arrival.
In addition, a dedicated helpline has been established to provide counselling and mental health support for evacuees who may be experiencing psychological trauma from the attacks and forced displacement.
The Minister noted that the interventions are designed to address both the economic and emotional needs of returnees to enable them to regain livelihoods and stability.
The reintegration programme forms part of government’s response to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have forced hundreds of Ghanaians to seek voluntary evacuation.
Authorities confirmed that more than 900 Ghanaians have so far been evacuated from South Africa.
An additional 1,000 nationals are expected to return in the second phase of the ongoing evacuation exercise.
Mr. Ablakwa assured that government, working with diplomatic missions and relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary consular and humanitarian support to affected citizens.
“The goal is to ensure that every Ghanaian who returns home receives the support needed to successfully reintegrate and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
