Ghana will begin the final phase of its repatriation programme for nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa on July 25, with about 900 Ghanaians expected to return home.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, announced that the exercise will cover citizens who voluntarily registered to leave the country due to concerns over their safety and welfare.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa on Tuesday, July 14, Mr. Quashie said the final evacuation was made possible through support from the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He explained that the latest operation follows earlier repatriation efforts that have already brought hundreds of Ghanaians back home. So far, about 926 nationals have been evacuated under previous phases of the programme.
“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.
According to the High Commissioner, the return process will be carried out in phases, with scheduled flights operating daily until all registered individuals have been transported to Ghana.
He, however, stressed that only Ghanaians who have completed the official registration and screening process will be allowed to participate in the final evacuation.
“No fresh registrations will be accepted,” Mr. Quashie said, adding that authorities are working with verified lists agreed upon with South African officials.
He also advised beneficiaries to follow the arrangements communicated by the High Commission and avoid travelling from different provinces until they receive official confirmation of their departure dates.
Mr. Quashie noted that once the final group of about 900 Ghanaians is brought back, the mass evacuation exercise will come to an end. Any future requests for assistance to return home will be handled individually through Ghana’s consular services.
