High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie Announces Final Phase of Evacuating 900 Ghanaians from South Africa Following Xenophobic Attacks

The Government of Ghana is set to commence the final phase of its voluntary evacuation program for nationals living in South Africa on July 25. This initiative, sanctioned by President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to repatriate approximately 900 Ghanaians who have opted to return home following a series of xenophobic attacks and growing insecurity. Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, confirmed that the operation is the culmination of a multi-phase effort to ensure the safety and well-being of Ghanaian citizens abroad during periods of civil unrest.

This final phase follows previous successful repatriation flights that have already brought home nearly 926 individuals. According to the High Commission, the upcoming operation will utilize daily flights to transport the remaining registered citizens back to Ghana. High Commissioner Quashie emphasized that the process will strictly adhere to established protocols, focusing exclusively on individuals who have already undergone the mandatory registration and screening process. He noted that the South African authorities have been cooperative in approving the logistics required for the daily flight schedule to complete the task efficiently.

The High Commission has issued a firm directive that no new registrations will be accepted for this concluding phase. High Commissioner Quashie cautioned citizens against arriving at the High Commission in Pretoria without prior registration, as the facility cannot provide accommodation or last-minute additions to the flight manifests. The government has stressed the importance of cooperation among the Ghanaian community to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, acknowledging the support received from various state agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout the crisis.

As this operation marks the end of the government-sponsored mass evacuation program, future requests for assistance from Ghanaians in South Africa will be handled on a case-by-case basis through standard consular services. The transition signals a shift from emergency mass repatriation to individual support mechanisms for those facing challenging conditions. By completing this final phase, the Ghanaian government aims to fulfill its commitment to protecting its citizens while moving toward a normalized diplomatic and consular relationship with South African authorities.