Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has placed about 900 Ghanaian nationals in safe havens as preparations intensify to repatriate them ahead of planned anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30.
Speaking to Citi News on Sunday, June 28, Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the High Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President, has put in place the necessary logistics to ensure the safe and orderly return of Ghanaians who have voluntarily requested to be evacuated.
The coordinated operation, he stated, forms part of the government’s efforts to protect Ghanaian citizens following renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
He disclosed that nearly 900 Ghanaians have so far registered to return home, adding that the latest exercise follows the successful repatriation of 938 nationals.
According to him, authorities have accommodated some of the affected Ghanaians in secure locations while arrangements are finalised for their evacuation.
“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.
“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.
