The Government of Ghana has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians living in South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks reported in parts of the country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had granted presidential approval for the emergency evacuation exercise to ensure the safety and protection of affected Ghanaian nationals.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Ghanaians set to be evacuated had earlier complied with an advisory issued by the ministry and subsequently registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible rescue.
In a statement, Hon. Ablakwa explained that the evacuation forms part of government efforts to safeguard citizens caught up in the recent unrest targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
“His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” the minister stated.
He added that the affected individuals had responded to the Foreign Ministry’s directive and made themselves available for evacuation after the latest incidents of xenophobic violence.
The government has assured citizens that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
