The Ghanaian High Commissioner to South Africa has disclosed that extensive coordination between Ghanaian and South African authorities helped ease the repatriation of three hundred Ghanaians from the South Africa. According to the Commissioner, the verification process delayed the operation because officials needed to confirm the immigration status and security background of every traveller before departure.
His Excellency Anani Quashie explained that the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria decided to centralise the entire process to shield Ghanaian nationals from unnecessary intimidation. The Diplomat indicated that officials avoided sending citizens to different police stations and immigration offices because the mission anticipated difficulties for many of the affected individuals.
He further stated that Ghanaians from several provinces across South Africa were transported to Pretoria for screening and documentation. Excellency Anani noted that officers from South Africa’s Border Management Authority and immigration services later joined the Ghanaian mission to conduct the checks at the High Commission premises.
The Commissioner recounted that the screening stage became the most difficult aspect of the operation because authorities examined criminal records, residency status and travel eligibility. Furthermore, the Diplomat acknowledged that the process consumed more time than initially expected due to the large number of people involved.
“Officers came to work with us from 6:00 in the morning. Sometimes they closed at 12:00 midnight. It became a coordinated effort between the two countries.”
His Excellency Benjamin Anani Quashie
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian envoy praised the collaboration between both governments during the exercise. In his view, the cooperation between immigration officials from both countries ensured that the evacuation exercise moved forward without major security complications.
The Commissioner also addressed concerns surrounding the delayed arrival of the evacuation flight in Ghana. He explained that Ethiopian Airlines initially received clearance to land at Lanseria Airport before authorities later redirected the flight to the busy OR Tambo International Airport.
“And we all know that OR Tambo is a very busy airport. So, when we got there, there were queues of people trying to board, and others were also going through various processes, so we had to join the queue and go through all the procedures. There were no special dedicated counters for us. I believe those were the issues that caused the delay. It has been a learning curve for all of us, and I am sure the next batch will not face such difficulties.”
His Excellency Benjamin Anani Quashie
The Diplomat acknowledged the emotional burden carried by many of the evacuees who left behind businesses, homes and employment opportunities in South Africa. Consequently, the High Commission continues to engage affected individuals while arrangements are being finalised for their safe return.
His Excellency Anani also suggested that the experience highlighted the importance of stronger diplomatic coordination during emergency evacuations involving Ghanaian citizens abroad. Moreover, the envoy stressed that the welfare of vulnerable nationals is the most central throughout the operation.
According to the Commissioner, officials would continue monitoring the welfare of returnees after their arrival in Ghana. The Diplomat added that authorities remain committed to supporting citizens caught in difficult circumstances outside the country.
South Africa Repatriation Prioritised Women, Children and Vulnerable Citizens
The Ghanaian High Commissioner to South Africa revealed that women, children, the elderly and vulnerable persons received priority during the first phase of the evacuation exercise. According to the Commissioner, the directive came directly from the Presidency as authorities sought to protect citizens facing distressing conditions.
His Excellency Anani Quashie explained that prison inmates arrested over immigration matters were later included in the evacuation arrangements. The Commissioner stated that negotiations with South African authorities eventually secured the release of 26 Ghanaian detainees for repatriation.
He explained that Ghanaian officials engaged South African authorities on humanitarian grounds, stressing that the detainees were being held over immigration related offences. Furthermore, Excellency Anani disclosed that South African authorities initially agreed to release only 10 prisoners before negotiations led to the release of all 26 detainees.
The Diplomat also rejected claims suggesting that most of the evacuees lacked proper immigration documentation. According to the Commissioner, approximately 80 percent of the 300 returnees possessed valid documents that permitted them to stay in South Africa.
His Excellency Anani challenged assertions that the majority of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa were undocumented migrants. Additionally, the envoy argued that several narratives surrounding the operation distorted the realities encountered during the verification exercise.
The Commissioner cited the case of one Ghanaian man whose documents had earlier been described as fraudulent by some officials in South Africa. According to the Diplomat, the same individual later travelled through immigration checkpoints without any objections from authorities.
“I have challenged the immigration official who put out that figure, asking that we all put our records on the table and ensure that everybody sees exactly what we saw during the process of working together to help these Ghanaians leave South Africa and return to Ghana.”
His Excellency Benjamin Anani Quashie
The Diplomat added that accountability and transparency are essential in resolving concerns surrounding migration issues in South Africa. His Excellency Anani further disclosed that Ghanaian officials intend to present additional facts concerning the evacuation process in the coming days.
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