Some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks have denied allegations that they did not receive relief packages from government.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Michael Addo said they lost all their personal belongings and property in the attacks and returned home to start life from scratch.
He said since their return, they have been trying to reintegrate into their communities, but it has not been easy because of rumors and lies circulating on social media about the evacuation.
“Imagine you going to another country, setting up yourself, having businesses, and all of a sudden they say ‘Go back to your country.’ You don’t go with anything, not even a pin from your shop. You left everything behind. Come back home, starting from scratch, he said.
Addo said while Ghanaians at home can comfortably board a bus to work in the morning, Ghanaians in South Africa cannot even speak in public for fear of being attacked because they are foreigners.
He said the group is appalled and disappointed that the goodwill extended to them has become the center of unnecessary allegations aimed at the individuals and the government that came to their rescue.
He said each evacuee can testify to receiving support, adding that it is not in the character of any Ghanaian to keep quiet if money or relief items meant for them were missing.
How then have we suddenly become ghosts, haunted by allegations that we did not come home to receive exact amounts of money and relief packages from government. he asked.
Addo said while they are still recovering from trauma, some elements in the minority NPP and their allies in the media are trying to establish wrongdoing against the government.
He revealed that 46 Ghanaians who were supposed to be evacuated are still in South Africa and are now afraid to come home because of the rumors.
He pleaded that those left behind should be rescued so they can also return home safely.
