South African Evacuees’ Leader Rejects Claims of GH¢2,000 Payments, Defends Repatriation Support
Michael Addo, leader and organiser of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa, has dismissed claims that some returnees received only GH¢2,000 as reintegration support, insisting that evacuees received the full package announced upon their arrival in Ghana.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Addo questioned why allegations about inadequate payments were emerging four months after the evacuation exercise, describing the claims as false, frivolous and politically motivated.
He said announcements were made at the airport regarding the GH¢5,500 support package and that evacuees opened and counted the money in their envelopes before leaving the airport.
“For the record, we all received the package on our respective dates of arrival,” he said, adding that he personally received his package.
Mr Addo disclosed that he arrived in Ghana on July 31, 2026, aboard Tanzania Airlines flight TC 35, seated at 31F, and challenged anyone who doubted his account to verify the details.
He also rejected claims that some evacuees received only the GH¢500 transportation allowance while others received only the GH¢5,000 reintegration allowance.
According to him, the media played an important role in helping stranded Ghanaians access information about the repatriation exercise, particularly those who lacked the financial means to travel to the Ghanaian Embassy or purchase flight tickets.
He commended the Ghana High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, and other individuals who helped coordinate assistance for Ghanaians seeking repatriation.
Mr Addo explained that some evacuees had been sleeping in churches and parking lots because the number of people requiring assistance exceeded the available accommodation facilities.
He said blankets were provided to some of those affected, while the Ghana High Commissioner and his team engaged churches to accommodate evacuees until the repatriation exercise was completed.
He added that there had also been concerns about overcrowding, littering and noise around the embassy premises, which was situated near other diplomatic missions.
The evacuees’ leader further alleged that some members of the group had received calls and coaching to make statements against the government. He, however, insisted that their consciences would not allow them to make statements they believed to be untrue.
“We are not here to speak for the government. We are certain in our hearts that we received the best treatment and support as Ghanaians when we needed it most,” he said.
Mr Addo maintained that political differences should not prevent people from stating what they personally experienced during the evacuation exercise.
His comments come amid controversy over payments to Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, with competing accounts emerging about the amounts received by returnees.
The claims and counterclaims have intensified calls for transparency regarding the evacuation arrangements and the distribution of financial assistance to the affected Ghanaians.
