Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has announced that the final evacuation of about 900 Ghanaian nationals will commence on July 25. This group, he revealed, consists of individuals who have voluntarily opted to return to Ghana following a wave of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa on Tuesday, July 14, Mr. Quashie described the upcoming operation as the concluding phase of the government’s comprehensive evacuation programme. Earlier phases have already seen the safe return of approximately 926 Ghanaians, with the forthcoming exercise set to complete the government’s response to the crisis.
The high commissioner credited the successful organisation of the repatriation to the collaborative efforts of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasised that the initiative was a direct response to mounting concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians targeted by the attacks.
“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,” Mr. Quashie stated. He explained that the evacuation would be conducted in phases, with flights scheduled daily until all registered individuals have been returned home.
Mr. Quashie also expressed his appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for their leadership in facilitating the evacuations. He described the government’s intervention as a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, particularly in times of crisis.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com