Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has relocated nearly 900 Ghanaian nationals to secure locations as part of efforts to safeguard them ahead of planned anti-immigration demonstrations expected to take place on June 30.
The move forms part of a coordinated evacuation plan being led by the Ghana High Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President to ensure the safety of citizens who have voluntarily requested to return home.
Speaking to Citi News on Sunday, Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government has completed key logistical arrangements to facilitate the repatriation exercise while closely monitoring the security situation.
According to the ambassador, about 900 Ghanaians have so far registered to be evacuated, a figure that follows the successful return of 938 nationals in an earlier phase of the exercise.
He explained that several of those awaiting departure have been accommodated in designated safe havens, with South African police notified of their locations to provide additional security during the period of heightened tension.
“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 finality for those who have voluntarily requested to return home,” Ambassador Quashie said.
He added that the High Commission has officially requested police protection for the facilities housing the affected Ghanaians to ensure their safety until evacuation arrangements are completed.
The precautionary measures come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where anti-immigration protests have sparked fears among foreign nationals, including members of the Ghanaian community.
Ghanaian authorities say they remain committed to protecting their citizens abroad and will continue working with South African officials to ensure the evacuation process is carried out safely and in an orderly manner.
