Ghana’s ongoing registration exercise in South Africa has revealed a far larger Ghanaian population than previously known, as authorities intensify efforts to protect citizens following renewed xenophobic attacks.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie disclosed that more than 15,000 Ghanaians have so far been registered—nearly triple earlier estimates of just over 5,000 residents.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, May 12, he said the exercise, which began months ago, is still ongoing, particularly in remote communities and informal settlements where many Ghanaians are difficult to reach.
“We’ve registered close to 15,000. When I took over, what my predecessors indicated was that Ghanaians in South Africa were just a little above 5,000,” he revealed.
He explained that some citizens remain unregistered due to limited access to communication channels and online registration platforms.
“These are places where we have been told there are Ghanaians living in informal settlements, where communication becomes very difficult,” he said.
The disclosure comes as the Ghanaian government moves to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa after recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that President John Dramani Mahama had approved the emergency evacuation to safeguard affected citizens.
Mr. Quashie assured Ghanaians abroad that the government remains committed to their safety and welfare, stressing that Ghana expects its citizens overseas to be treated with the same dignity it extends to foreigners living in Ghana.
