A group of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa has broken their silence, rejecting claims that they were shortchanged or did not receive the full relief package announced by government.

At a press conference in Accra, the group led by Michael Addo, which said it represents over 1,900 Ghanaians evacuated between 27th May to 4th September, 2026 as a result of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, described recent allegations as "disgusting, false and humiliating”.

The evacuees expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie, for the swift intervention.

"Some of us would have died had it not been for the swift evacuation at the height of the recent xenophobic attacks," the spokesperson said.

"The government saved us, transported us by bus, accommodated us, fed us, evacuated us and gave us GH¢5,500 along with assorted relief items, to comfort us."

According to the group, each evacuee including women and infants received the same package at the airport in full view of cameras comprising GH¢5,000 for reintegration, GH¢500 for transportation, a 5kg bag of rice, cooking oil, a blanket and psychological support.  

They were also registered onto the NHIS free of charge and received AirtelTigo SIM cards.

The evacuees challenged a media report alleging some evacuees received only GH¢2,000, demanding evidence.

“When we arrived at the airport, loud announcements were made about the GHS5,500 package and we all opened and counted the envelopes we received before leaving the airport," they said.

“The claims that some people received only the GH¢500 transportation allowance, while others received only the GH¢5,000 reintegration allowance, are all false."

They questioned why such claims are emerging four months after their return, adding that some members have received calls and coaching to speak against government.

“We are aware that some members of our group have received calls and coaching to speak against the government. But our consciences will not allow us to do so."

The group said they support accountability but condemned what they called deliberate attempts by elements in the Minority, the New Patriotic Party and their allies in the media to establish wrongdoing.

They cited the Foreign Minister's press conference on 7th September 2026, his invitation to the Auditor-General to audit all evacuations since 2017, reports submitted to Parliament, and responses to an RTI request on the GH¢49.72 million expenditure, as proof of transparency.

"Taking into account the coordination in South Africa and the support received here in Ghana, we have no doubt that the government was prudent in its expenditure."

The evacuees also observed a minute's silence for four colleagues who died during the period.

“Accountability is important. Transparency is important... But we demand an immediate end to the baseless attacks on us and the government that was sympathetic towards us. These allegations are taking a toll on our mental health."