|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has announced that the first group of Ghanaians being evacuated amid renewed xenophobic attacks is expected to land in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.
In an interview with DW Africa on Sunday, May 24, Mr. Quashie explained that Ghanaian authorities, in collaboration with South African officials, are conducting thorough screening and verification to finalize the list of evacuees for the initial flight. He assured that efforts are ongoing around the clock to complete all necessary procedures before departure.
“We are screening them, and once this is done, we will inform them of the exact number of people travelling. Today, we expect between 200 and 300 people, and Home Affairs will be ready at 10 a.m. to facilitate their departure on Wednesday, May 27, at 6 a.m. to Ghana,” he stated.
The High Commissioner added that the evacuation will extend beyond the first flight, with additional arrangements in place for Ghanaians wishing to return home for safety reasons. The first aircraft can accommodate around 300 passengers, with two further flights planned to follow shortly.
“The first flight will carry 300 people, followed by another 300 a few days later, and a third flight with the same capacity to ensure that everyone who wants to return home can do so,” he explained.
Originally scheduled for Thursday, May 21, the evacuation was postponed due to a higher-than-expected number of Ghanaians seeking repatriation.
The exercise comes amid rising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in certain areas of South Africa following renewed xenophobic incidents.
Story by Efua Nessa