Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie has announced that Ghana is preparing to evacuate more than 600 additional nationals from South Africa as concerns grow over escalating xenophobic attacks.
According to the High Commissioner, the government has secured two chartered aircraft to facilitate the voluntary evacuation exercise following directives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He disclosed that after the first batch of approximately 300 Ghanaians returned home, an additional 610 people have registered to leave South Africa and are currently undergoing screening processes ahead of their departure.
“We have close to about 610 more people who have registered and are going through the screening process. Once that is completed, they will be ready to depart within the next few days,” he said.
Mr. Quarshie noted that registration remains ongoing at the Ghana High Commission, meaning the number of prospective returnees could continue to increase.
The envoy said many of those seeking evacuation are small-scale business owners, including hairdressers, mechanics and traders, who have grown weary of recurring xenophobic incidents.
According to him, many affected Ghanaians have expressed a strong desire to return home permanently despite the investments they have built over the years in South Africa.
“They tell us they are tired. They save money, establish businesses, and whenever these incidents occur, they lose everything and have to start all over again,” he explained.
Mr. Quarshie revealed that many Ghanaian mothers in South Africa have also struggled with documentation challenges affecting their children.
He explained that some children born in South Africa possess only notices of birth and lack formal documentation, making it difficult to access essential services such as healthcare and education.
The High Commissioner said many families believe returning to Ghana will provide better opportunities and stability for their children.
He added that the successful reintegration of the first batch of returnees has encouraged others to register for evacuation.
“We continue to engage them daily, and many believe they can rebuild their lives in Ghana under a safer and more supportive environment,” he stated.
Mr. Quarshie emphasized that the evacuation exercise is entirely funded by the Government of Ghana and forms part of broader efforts to protect citizens affected by the unrest.
By Christabel Success Treve
