600 more Ghanaians register at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa — Foreign Minister Ghana) VIDEO
VIDEO
According to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the number of Ghanaians seeking evacuation from South Africa has continued to rise amid concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant tensions.
Key developments:
More than 800 Ghanaians had already registered with Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa for voluntary evacuation, and reports indicate that additional registrations were still being received for subsequent flights.
The first batch of about 300 evacuees arrived in Accra this week under a government-led repatriation programme.
Ablakwa stated that the government would protect Ghanaians wherever they are and ensure their dignity and safety. He assured returnees of reintegration support, transportation assistance, and psychosocial services.
Ghanaian authorities also secured the release and return of 26 Ghanaians who had been detained in South Africa for immigration-related issues.
The evacuations follow weeks of anti-immigrant protests and incidents targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. South African authorities have publicly condemned xenophobic violence and pledged enforcement action against perpetrators.
Ablakwa’s message has been that the government will not “compromise or dither” when the safety and dignity of Ghanaians abroad are threatened, emphasizing that all citizens who wish to return home will receive assistance.
