The government has clarified that it spent GH¢33.72 million on the emergency evacuation of 1,900 Ghanaians from South Africa, while businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners contributed an additional GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

The two contributions brought the total cost of the evacuation to GH¢49.72 million, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

In a post shared on Facebook by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ablakwa said GH¢38.84 million of the total expenditure was used for chartered flights, air tickets, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation and medical care for the evacuated citizens.

A further GH¢10.80 million was spent on reintegration support and transportation allowances, while GH¢84,274 was used to repatriate the mortal remains of two Ghanaians.

Mr Ablakwa commended Engineers and Planners for its contribution, describing it as an “extraordinary commitment” to the welfare of Ghanaians.

The evacuation followed renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaian and other African migrants.

The Minister said the private-sector contribution helped complement government resources and support the immediate logistical and welfare needs of the affected Ghanaians.