First batch of evacuated Ghanaians from South Africa expected in Accra on May 27 - High Commissioner

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie has disclosed that the first batch of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.

The evacuation comes amid renewed xenophobic attack against Ghanaians and other foreigners.

Speaking in an interview with DW Africa on Sunday, May 24, the High Commissioner said Ghanaian authorities, working together with South African officials, are currently undertaking screening and verification exercises to finalise the list of persons to be included in the first evacuation exercise.

According to him, officials are working around the clock to ensure all necessary procedures are completed ahead of the scheduled departure.

“We are screening them, and once we are done, we will let them know the number of people who will be going to Ghana, and we are expecting to have between 200 and 300 people here today, and Home Affairs will set up at 10 am today for them to be able to leave on Wednesday (May 27) at 6am to Ghana,” he stated.

Mr. Quashie further revealed that the evacuation exercise will continue beyond the first flight, as additional arrangements have already been made to transport more Ghanaian nationals who have indicated interest in returning home over safety concerns.

He explained that the first aircraft has the capacity to carry about 300 passengers, with two additional flights expected to follow shortly after.

“The first group has an aircraft that will take 300 and after some few days, we will take another 300 and then there will be a third flight with another 300 to ensure that we get everyone home,” he added.

The evacuation process was initially scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 21, but was postponed after authorities recorded a significantly higher number of Ghanaians seeking repatriation than originally anticipated.

The exercise comes amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa following renewed incidents of xenophobic attacks.