We demand an immediate end – South Africa evacuees say alleged corruption is taking toll on their mental health

Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks say allegations of corruption surrounding the exercise and post-arrival support are taking a toll on their mental health.

The evacuees have expressed concern about media reports and public discussions questioning the financial arrangements for the exercise, insisting that some claims regarding the transportation and reintegration allowances they received are inaccurate.

Speaking to the media on Monday, October 26, a representative of the group, Michael Addo, said the continued allegations and public scrutiny had caused them considerable emotional distress.

He appealed to the public and the media to bring an end to what the group considers misleading reports, while acknowledging the need for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

“The various allegations we have heard in the media and the dragging of our names in these discussions are taking a toll on our mental health,” he said.

“We demand an immediate end to this. Accountability is important. Transparency is also important, and that is exactly what this government demonstrated when the Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed a press conference on September 7, 2026, to account to the public and we are aware that he has invited the Auditor General to audit all evacuations since 2017.”

The concerns come amid questions raised by the Minority in Parliament about the number of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa and the total expenditure incurred in the exercise.

The Minority has challenged the figures presented in connection with the evacuation, including the cost of chartered flights used to transport the returnees to Ghana.

It has also raised concerns about the transportation and reintegration allowances provided to the evacuees upon their arrival, fuelling public debate over the management of funds allocated to the exercise.

The evacuees, however, maintain that the allegations and continued discussions about their circumstances are causing them distress and have called for a more accurate representation of the support they received.

While reiterating their support for accountability and transparency, the group is urging an end to reports they believe misrepresent the evacuation arrangements and the assistance provided to them.