Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa (SA), Benjamin Quashie, has said the first group of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa over rising xenophobic tensions is set to land in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.
The High Commissioner shared the update during a DW Africa interview on Sunday, May 24, as fears mount for foreign nationals in parts of South Africa after fresh xenophobic attacks.
According to Benjamin Quashie, Ghanaian officials, working with South African authorities, are now screening and verifying those slated for the initial evacuation. He noted that teams are working nonstop to complete paperwork for evacuees ahead of their planned flight home.
“We are screening them and once we are done, we will let them know the number of people who will be going to Ghana and we are expecting to have between 200 and 300 people here today and Home Affairs will set up at 10 a.m., today for them to be able to leave on Wednesday at 6 a.m., to Ghana.”
Mr. Quashie added that the operation will continue beyond the first trip, with more flights lined up for Ghanaian nationals eager to return due to security fears. He said the first plane can take about 300 passengers, with two additional flights to follow soon to ensure all registered Ghanaians who want to leave South Africa get home safely.
“The first group has an aircraft that will take 300 and after few days, we will take another 300 and then there will be a third flight with another 300 to ensure that we get everyone home.”
The evacuation was first set for Thursday, May 21. But it was pushed back after far more Ghanaians than expected signed up to return.
