Some Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa have recounted disturbing experiences, describing repeated assaults and fear for their lives amid ongoing xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
Speaking to journalists after arriving at the Accra International Airport, one evacuee said he narrowly escaped death during one of the attacks.
“It’s a long story. We have really been beaten. I had a bicycle which almost run into somebody. Bro, they wanted to kill me. It was a church member who came to my rescue. It wasn’t easy,” he said.
He explained that the persistent insecurity and targeted violence against foreigners forced his decision to return home.
“That was the more reason why I opted to come back home because they don’t hesitate to seize the opportunity to harm a foreigner,” he added.
The evacuee also expressed gratitude to government for facilitating their return.
“We thank President John Dramani Mahama so much for saving us from this modern day form of slavery,” he said.
The evacuation exercise forms part of efforts by the Government of Ghana to bring home more than 1,500 nationals following recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
Authorities say the exercise will continue in phases as more affected Ghanaians are expected to be flown home.
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