Pres. Mahama approves immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa amid Xenophobic attacks

President John Dramani Mahama has granted approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians living in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a Facebook post on May 12, who disclosed that the affected Ghanaians had earlier complied with a directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by registering with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation.

“His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.

“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he wrote.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the evacuation exercise is aimed at rescuing distressed Ghanaian nationals affected by the latest wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

He assured that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,” he stated.

The development comes amid growing concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has affected several foreign nationals, including Africans from other countries living and working there.

This follows a revelation by the Ghana High Commission in South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie who said arrangements are underway to safely repatriate nearly 300 Ghanaians who have indicated willingness to return home amid ongoing challenges affecting foreign nationals.

He disclosed that the number of applicants for repatriation has been increasing in recent days.

“So far, we are working with those who want to be repatriated. Approximately, we should be heading towards 300 people,” he said.

Source:Fiilafmonline/3News