Omanghana
South Africa has sought reimbursement from several African governments for expenses incurred in repatriating their citizens, while Ghana says it bears no financial obligation because it independently funded the evacuation of its nationals.
The reimbursement request, reported in August, followed a parliamentary briefing in which South African officials outlined expenditure of nearly $18 million on migrant transportation, accommodation and related operations.
According to the Associated Press, South Africa’s foreign ministry sent written requests to Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Government figures cited in the report indicated that 82,875 people had either returned voluntarily or been deported amid heightened tensions over immigration.
Citi Newsroom separately reported that Zimbabwe and Mozambique were also among the countries approached to contribute towards the costs.
The expenditure included bus hire, temporary accommodation, food, staff overtime and other operational expenses. Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode said the affected countries had provided some assistance, but South Africa had carried most of the financial burden.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected suggestions that Accra could be asked to reimburse Pretoria. In a statement issued on August 13, 2026, the Ministry said the government and Ghanaian partners had fully financed the evacuation program without requesting financial or material assistance from South Africa.
According to the Ministry, more than 1,600 Ghanaians had been evacuated since May 2026, with further evacuations continuing at the time of the statement.
The operation used both chartered and commercial flights, with private businesses supporting the government’s efforts. Citi Newsroom reported that Ghana had declined an offer of assistance from South African authorities and opted to cover its own costs.
The Ministry said assistance continued after the evacuees arrived in Ghana, with returnees receiving reintegration funds, transport allowances and relief items.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad and taking timely action when their safety was threatened.
Source: Omanghana
