Fifty-five Ghanaians forming the first batch of an expected 10,000 to be evacuated from troubled Libya arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra shortly before 2pm, Saturday, met on arrival by government functionaries. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and chairman of government’s taskforce for the evacuation exercise, Chris Kpodo; Deputy Information Minister Baba Jamal and National Disaster Management Organisation national co-ordinator, Kofi Portuphy, were on hand to meet the returnees aboard an Egypt Air plane. The joys on the faces of the fortunate returnees knew no bounds as they sang praises to God and gratitude to the Government of Ghana and particularly President John Evans Atta Mills for the humanitarian efforts. They are however urging the government to expedite the evacuation of the remaining compatriots because they face a very hostile and perilous environment in Libya. Shortly before the returnees were bused to the Aviation Social Centre for immigration formalities, they told media men of their harrowing experiences since pro-democracy demonstrations broke out at the beginning of the month. They said they have had to abandon most of their belongings to escape the violence being visited on foreigners particularly blacks. They have also been forced to stay indoors because "death is the price" if a black is captured by the rampaging nationals. In the event, water and food have been very scarce. David Agyin, a returnee, told Myjoyonline.com blacks are bearing the needless brunt of a section of anti-government protesters because they accuse the government of enlisting the services of black mercenaries to fight its cause in its attempts at quelling the rising dissent. Chris Kpodo, Baba Jamal and Kofi Kportufe took turns to welcome the returnees and assured them of every assistance to get them to their hometowns. Kofi Portuphy told them while in their hometown they should contact the offices of NADMO to be registered for training in artisanal skills.