Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has confirmed that the first group of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa amidst renewed xenophobic tensions is expected to arrive in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.
Speaking to DW Africa on Sunday, May 24, Quashie noted that Ghanaian authorities are collaborating with South African officials to finalise screening and verification.
He emphasised that officials are working “around the clock” to ensure a coordinated departure.
“We are screening them, and once we are done, we will let them know the number of people who will be going to Ghana,” he said, estimating that between 200 and 300 citizens will form the initial cohort.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is assisting with the final arrangements.
“Home Affairs will set up at 10 am today for them to be able to leave on Wednesday at 6 am for Ghana,” Quashie stated.
The phased evacuation, originally delayed from May 21 due to a surge in registrations, will utilise three flights to manage the high volume of returnees safely.
“The first group has an aircraft that will take 300, and after a few days, we will take another 300, and then there will be a third flight with another 300 to ensure that we get everyone home,” he said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana