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Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has announced that the final phase of the government’s repatriation programme for Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa will begin on July 25.
The exercise will see about 900 Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to return home evacuated in phases, following earlier operations that have already brought hundreds of citizens back to Ghana.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa on Tuesday, July 14, Mr. Quashie said the latest evacuation was made possible through the support of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to concerns over the safety and wellbeing of affected nationals.
He revealed that about 926 Ghanaians have already been repatriated under previous phases, while the remaining registered individuals will be transported during the final operation.
> “We are going to do the final repatriation of close to 900 Ghanaians who have voluntarily given their names here in South Africa that they want to go,” he said.
The High Commissioner explained that flights will operate daily until all approved beneficiaries have returned to Ghana.
He stressed that only individuals who have completed the official registration and screening process will be eligible, adding that no new names will be added to the list.
Mr. Quashie advised those who failed to register not to visit the High Commission expecting to be included, as the evacuation will be based strictly on verified lists agreed with South African authorities.
He also urged beneficiaries to follow instructions from the High Commission and avoid travelling from various provinces until they receive confirmation of their departure schedules.
The High Commissioner noted that the completion of this final phase will bring the government’s mass evacuation programme to an end, with future requests for assistance to be handled on a case-by-case basis through Ghana’s consular services.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for their support in ensuring the safe return of affected Ghanaians, describing the intervention as a commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
Story by Efua Nessa