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A representative of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, Michael Addo, has alleged that some returnees were contacted and coached by members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to criticise the government’s financial assistance package.
Speaking to the media on Monday, October 26, 2026, Mr Addo said some members of the group had allegedly received calls encouraging them to make statements against the government’s support for the evacuees.
He stressed that the returnees were committed to speaking the truth about the assistance they received, regardless of their political affiliations.
“We are aware that some members of our group have received calls and coaching to speak against the government, but our conscience will not allow us to do so, even if we support the opposition party rather than the government of the day,” he said.
The evacuees also dismissed reports suggesting that some returnees received only GH¢500 in transportation assistance, while others received just the GH¢5,000 reintegration allowance.
According to Mr Addo, all the evacuees received the full GH¢5,500 support package, comprising GH¢5,000 for reintegration and GH¢500 for transportation, on their respective dates of arrival in Ghana.
He described the claims of partial payments as false and urged the public not to allow partisan politics to distort the facts surrounding the government’s assistance.
“It is only fair that we state the facts and refuse to allow petty politics to make us liars,” he stated, reiterating that the full package was paid to all returnees.
The allegations come amid public debate over the government’s financial support for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also rejected claims that some returnees received less than the GH¢5,500 announced by the government.
The minister maintained that all 1,000 Ghanaians on the evacuation list, including minors, received the full amount. He further indicated that his ministry had not received any complaints regarding alleged payment shortfalls.
The claims of political coaching and the disputed payment allegations have added to the ongoing public discussion about the government’s handling of the evacuation and reintegration process.