Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has relocated nearly 900 Ghanaian nationals to safe locations as government steps up preparations to evacuate them ahead of planned anti-immigration demonstrations scheduled for June 30.
Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the High Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President to facilitate the safe return of Ghanaians who have voluntarily requested repatriation.
According to the Ambassador, the intervention forms part of broader efforts to safeguard Ghanaian citizens amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
Speaking on Citi FM on Sunday, June 28, Ambassador Quashie disclosed that nearly 900 Ghanaians have so far registered to return home, following an earlier repatriation exercise that successfully brought 938 nationals back to Ghana.
He explained that some of those awaiting evacuation have already been accommodated in secure locations while logistical arrangements for their return are being finalised.
“We’re looking at very close to 900 people who have written their names and want to return. We’ve already repatriated 938 people, and adding another 900 will bring the exercise to a finality for those who have voluntarily requested to return home.
“We’ve housed some of them and officially informed the police of their whereabouts, requesting protection for those locations despite the heightened tensions in the country,” Ambassador Quashie said.
He expressed confidence that the evacuation exercise would be completed safely with the support of South African security agencies and the Ghanaian government.
The relocation and planned repatriation come amid growing concerns over anti-immigration protests expected to take place in South Africa, prompting Ghanaian authorities to take precautionary measures to protect the welfare and safety of their citizens living in the country.
