The Government of Ghana has announced a short postponement in the planned evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, authorities confirmed that the evacuation, initially scheduled to begin today, has been delayed by a few days to complete necessary administrative and security procedures.
Registration and Numbers
According to the ministry, more than 800 Ghanaian nationals have registered with the country’s High Commission in Pretoria, requesting evacuation due to the ongoing unrest. The large number of registrants has necessitated careful planning to ensure a safe and orderly process.
Reasons for Delay
The ministry explained that the delay became necessary due to South African legal and operational requirements. These include mandatory passenger screening, inter-agency coordination, and flight clearance approvals. “Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the statement said.
Coordination Efforts
Ghanaian and South African authorities have reportedly agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation arrangements to expedite the process once flights commence. The ministry added that senior officials from both countries are actively coordinating efforts to ensure the safe return of affected nationals.
Government Assurance
The government assured Ghanaians in South Africa of its commitment to their safety, urging patience as logistical arrangements are finalised. It emphasized that the delay is in the best interest of all evacuees to ensure a smooth and secure operation.
