A fresh batch of Ghanaians trapped in South Africa due to recent xenophobic violence are anticipated to return home as the John Mahama administration starts the last stage of its mass evacuation drill, today, Saturday, July 25.
The most recent operation is a component of a larger repatriation effort for about 900 Ghanaians who voluntarily asked to go back home after violence against foreigners increased concerns about their safety and means of subsistence.
As the government works to finish what authorities refer to as the final phase of the emergency exercise, the final evacuation comes after previous flights that safely returned hundreds of Ghanaians to the nation.
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, announced the operation on July 14 and stated that the evacuation was made possible by the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to mounting worries about the safety and well-being of Ghanaians impacted by the attacks.
Speaking to Ghanaians living in South Africa, Mr. Quashie revealed that approximately 926 Ghanaians had previously been sent home in previous stages. Simultaneously, starting on July 25, the remaining registered persons would be transported home.
He stated, “We are going to carry out the final repatriation of nearly 900 Ghanaians who have voluntarily given their names here in South Africa that they want to go.”
He explained that the evacuation would take place gradually, with flights leaving every day until all registered Ghanaians had been safely returned home.
The High Commissioner claims that once the exercise is finished, the government’s extensive evacuation program will come to an end, and any Ghanaians who need help getting back home will be assisted by Ghana’s regular consular services instead of emergency repatriation plans.
Mr. Quashie commended President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for making the evacuation possible, calling it a sign of the government’s dedication to ensuring the security and well-being of Ghanaians residing overseas.
The repatriation comes after weeks of fear among Ghanaians living in South Africa following xenophobic incidents that led many to flee and eventually choose to voluntarily return to Ghana.
Families who have anxiously awaited the safe homecoming of their loved ones are anticipated to find solace with the arrival of today’s batch.
The highest governmental levels have also become aware of the problem. Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, sent a mission to Ghana to examine the ongoing attacks on foreign nationals, as President Mahama recently revealed.
Speaking at a meeting with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 22, President Mahama claimed he used the opportunity to emphasise to the South African delegation the need for more transparency in addressing the ongoing violence.
He emphasised that Ghana’s choice to voice concerns about the attacks was meant to promote openness and guarantee the security of African citizens residing in South Africa rather than to strain bilateral ties.
For hundreds of Ghanaian families who were compelled to leave the life they had established overseas in quest of safety back home, the evacuation signals the conclusion of a trying chapter as another flight carrying individuals fleeing violence lands today.
Source: newsthemegh.com