The total cost of evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa amounted to GH¢49,721,786, the government has disclosed.

The expenditure covered chartered flights, air tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation, medical care, and the repatriation of mortal remains.

A breakdown of the expenditure showed that GH¢38,835,512 was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, medical services and hospitalisation.

Another GH¢10,802,000 was used for reintegration and transportation allowances, while GH¢84,274 was spent on the repatriation of two mortal remains.

Government and private-sector contributions

Out of the total expenditure, the Government of Ghana provided GH¢33,721,786.

The remaining GH¢16 million was donated by Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Mr Ibrahim Mahama.

The government commended Mr Mahama and Engineers and Planners for their contribution towards the evacuation exercise and the welfare of affected Ghanaians.

Expenditure breakdown

• Chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation, medical care and hospitalisation: GH¢38,835,512
• Reintegration and transportation allowances: GH¢10,802,000
• Repatriation of two mortal remains: GH¢84,274
• Total expenditure: GH¢49,721,786

The government said the disclosure formed part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.