Ibrahim Mahama and Telecom Giants Partner with Government to Provide Jobs for South Africa Evacuees

Leading Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama and telecommunications giants AirtelTigo and Telecel have joined forces with the government to support the economic reintegration of citizens evacuated from South Africa. This initiative, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, follows a surge in anti-immigrant violence that has displaced hundreds of Ghanaians. As of June 2026, the partnership aims to provide a sustainable path for returnees who lost their livelihoods and assets during the unrest, ensuring they are not left destitute upon their return to Ghana.

Central to this private sector intervention is a commitment from Ibrahim Mahama, who has offered 100 direct job opportunities within his business network to the evacuees. Overall, the initiative has already secured approximately 200 job placements, with further contributions from AirtelTigo and Telecel. These companies are providing not only employment but also digital tools, mobile SIM cards, and financial resources to help returnees re-establish their lives. The focus is on leveraging the skills of the returnees, offering them technical training and entrepreneurial support to foster long-term self-sufficiency.

The announcement was made at the Accra International Airport during the arrival of a batch of 345 returnees on June 6, 2026. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the government's strategy has shifted toward long-term rehabilitation, moving beyond immediate emergency relief. In addition to job placements, the returnees are receiving trauma counseling, transport stipends, and startup capital. This comprehensive package is designed to address both the economic and psychological impact of the xenophobic attacks they survived.

With over 1,500 Ghanaians successfully evacuated to date and more flights scheduled, the scale of the humanitarian response remains significant. The collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the private sector represents a model for national crisis management, prioritizing the swift social and economic integration of affected citizens. As the government continues its evacuation efforts, the ongoing support from corporate Ghana is expected to play a critical role in helping these individuals rebuild their futures within the domestic economy.