The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed the government’s “debt of gratitude” to The Church of Pentecost for opening its doors to more than 500 Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the President and the Ministry, the Minister said the Church’s intervention came at a critical time and helped save many citizens from harm.
“A Significant Act Of Humanity”
According to the Minister, the Church provided free accommodation, clothing and feeding to the stranded Ghanaians for more than two months while they awaited government assistance.
“The gesture by The Church of Pentecost was a significant intervention. It provided safety, dignity and hope to our brothers and sisters in a difficult moment,” Hon. Ablakwa stated.
The support, he added, gave government the needed space to coordinate a safe and orderly evacuation.
Over 1,600 Ghanaians Repatriated
Following continued calls for help, government initiated the second phase of the voluntary repatriation exercise.
So far, more than 600 Ghanaians have been evacuated on commercial flights. This brings the total number of citizens repatriated from South Africa since June to over 1,600.
The Minister assured that more evacuations will take place in the coming days before the conclusion of phase two.
“We are not leaving anyone behind. The safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad remains a top priority,” he said.
Church Calls For Stronger Partnership
On his part, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, called for deeper collaboration between the Church and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said the Church is ready to serve as a “first responder” to Ghanaians in crisis, especially in countries where Ghana currently has no foreign mission.
“Wherever our people are in distress, the Church can step in quickly to provide immediate care while government processes are underway,” Apostle Nyamekye noted.
He pledged the Church’s continued commitment to supporting Ghanaians at home and abroad.
The partnership between government and faith-based organizations, the Minister added, will be key to strengthening Ghana’s consular response in future emergencies.
