Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has moved nearly 900 Ghanaian nationals to secure locations as the government steps up efforts to evacuate them ahead of planned anti-immigration protests expected on June 30.
The evacuation is being coordinated by the High Commission in partnership 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 Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
Speaking to Citi FM on Sunday, June 28, Ambassador Quashie said nearly 900 Ghanaians have so far registered to return home, following an earlier repatriation exercise that successfully brought back 938 nationals. He noted that some of those awaiting evacuation have already been accommodated in safe locations while final logistical arrangements are being completed.
“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 process would be completed safely with the cooperation of South African security agencies and Ghanaian authorities.
The exercise comes amid growing concerns over planned anti-immigration demonstrations, with the government taking precautionary steps to protect the welfare and safety of Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa.
