Xenophobia: Mahama approves evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa

The government has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had granted presidential approval for the evacuation exercise as part of efforts to protect affected Ghanaian nationals.

According to the minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier responded to an advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible evacuation.

Also readPatience Akyianu, former Barclays Bank Ghana MD and Hollard CEO, reportedly dies

“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Ablakwa said in a Facebook post.

Also readL.I. 2519: Full list of road traffic offences and jail terms in Ghana

“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 added.

Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

Also readAccra-Kumasi Expressway: Route, interchanges, distance and key details of the 198.7km project

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

The evacuation decision comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals and businesses owned by other African migrants, including Ghanaians, have periodically come under attack.