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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has announced that the planned evacuation of its citizens from South Africa has been postponed.
first group of 300 Ghanaians It was originally scheduled to depart South Africa on Thursday following what the Ghanaian government described as an increase in “xenophobic attacks” targeting African citizens.
However, the ministry said the planned evacuation was delayed due to factors such as screening requirements and an increase in the number of citizens registering for repatriation. More than 800 Ghanaians have registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria demanding their deportation.
The Ghanaian government said, “In view of the numbers involved and the need to meet South African legal conditions, including mandatory passenger checks, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been postponed for a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions.”
”Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed on advanced and more efficient pre-clearance modalities to expedite the process. Meanwhile, senior government officials on both sides are actively engaged in this important exercise.”
The evacuation effort comes amid rising tensions over undocumented migrants in South Africa. Recent protests have seen citizens demanding the immediate deportation of foreign nationals.
However, some of these demonstrations have reportedly devolved into illegal acts of violence and intimidation. Members of some protest groups have been stopping individuals on the street to demand identification, leading various African citizens to condemn the actions as xenophobic attacks.
Only one person reportedly showed up at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning, before the postponement was officially announced.
Despite the setback, the Ghanaian government has assured its citizens in South Africa that they will be returned home safely in the coming days.
“We commend him for his remarkable understanding and patience,” the statement added. “We will continue to keep the public informed in a transparent and timely manner, consistent with our good governance traditions.”
The Government of Ghana has also announced a special offer for Ghanaians visiting their country. It includes the following:
- a “welcome home” financial package;
- transportation assistance to their various destinations across Ghana;
- Reintegration Allowance;
- Free psychosocial support; And
- Access to an exclusive database for jobs and startup opportunities.
Times Live