About 900 Ghanaians in South Africa have been moved to safe locations as authorities prepare to repatriate them ahead of planned anti-immigration protests on 30 June.
Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the High Commission, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President, had secured the necessary arrangements for the safe and orderly return of affected citizens.
The move follows concerns over renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, with some Ghanaians opting to leave the country voluntarily.
Ambassador Quashie said nearly 900 nationals had registered to be evacuated, following the earlier repatriation of 938 Ghanaians.
“We are looking at close to 900 people who have written their names and want to return. We have already repatriated 938 people, and adding another 900 will bring the exercise to finality for those who have voluntarily requested to return home,” he said.
He added that some of the affected citizens had been accommodated in secure locations while preparations for their departure continued.
The High Commission, he said, had also informed the South African police about the locations where the Ghanaians were being housed and requested additional protection amid heightened tensions.
The evacuation forms part of efforts by Ghanaian authorities to safeguard citizens living in South Africa during the period of uncertainty.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
