Benjamin Anani Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, has disclosed that businessman Ibrahim Mahama has offered employment to Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah following his return to Ghana after recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Mr Asamoah returned home on May 5 after videos linked to the attacks circulated widely on social media, sparking concern among Ghanaians both home and abroad.
Speaking on PM Express on Monday, Mr Quashie revealed that the returnee has already begun the reintegration process after arriving in Ghana.
“Since his arrival, he’s been reintegrated, and we discussed what he wants to do and how he wants to do it,” he said.
According to the High Commissioner, Ibrahim Mahama stepped in after discussions on how best to support the returnee and help him rebuild his life.
“Fortunately, Mr Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted,” Mr Quashie disclosed.
He further explained that the businessman hopes Mr Asamoah’s story will inspire other Ghanaians facing hardship abroad to remain hopeful and consider rebuilding their lives back home.
“But Mr Ibrahim indicated to him that he wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make meaning to his life,” he stated.
Mr Quashie noted that Mr Asamoah had previously been working in a salon in South Africa before the attacks disrupted his livelihood.
However, he said the returnee possesses additional skills beyond salon work which could be useful within Ibrahim Mahama’s businesses.
“He has told us the other things that he’s able to do, and Ibrahim Mahama thinks that there are other things that he can also help him do,” he added.
The High Commissioner also disclosed that government is preparing for a broader voluntary repatriation exercise as fears continue to grow among Ghanaians living in South Africa following repeated xenophobic incidents.
“After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home,” he revealed.
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has directed Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa to begin immediate preparations for the exercise.
He explained that arrangements are being made to assist those without valid travel documents by issuing emergency travel certificates, with government expected to bear the associated costs.
“Those who don’t have a passport, we need to get them travel certificates. The ministry is going to take up the cost so that we ensure that we bring them back home,” he said.
Mr Quashie stressed that government’s priority is to ensure no Ghanaian is left stranded or exposed to dangerous conditions abroad.
“We don’t want to leave any Ghanaian at the mercy of any other national. Ghanaians are valued in Ghana,” he stated.
He further indicated that the number of people seeking repatriation could continue to rise, noting that nearly 20,000 Ghanaians are currently living in South Africa.
According to him, many have lost businesses, jobs, and livelihoods as a result of recurring xenophobic violence and are now looking for opportunities to restart their lives in Ghana.
“So they are saying that this time around, they want to come home and start life all over,” he added.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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