The Government of Ghana has launched a major humanitarian evacuation exercise to bring home about 1,000 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of its citizens living abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the evacuation will be conducted in phases, with the first group of returnees expected to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.
According to the ministry, the exercise will initially cover Ghanaians who have registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and have voluntarily requested government assistance to return home.
To ensure that the most vulnerable are assisted first, priority will be given to women, children, elderly persons, students and individuals with underlying health conditions as part of Ghana’s humanitarian response.
The ministry has also reopened emergency consular services and urged Ghanaians who have not yet registered with the High Commission to do so immediately to facilitate travel arrangements and receive the necessary support.
As preparations continue, the government acknowledged the contribution of the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, together with Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for providing free temporary accommodation to displaced Ghanaians awaiting evacuation.
The Ministry said the assistance offered by the two organizations has helped ease the plight of many citizens who were forced to leave their homes and are now awaiting their return to Ghana.
Ghanaians who remain in South Africa have been advised to stay calm, avoid areas experiencing unrest, refrain from responding to provocations and cooperate fully with officials of the Ghana High Commission throughout the evacuation process.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to its citizens overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that every effort is being made to ensure the safe and orderly return of all affected Ghanaians.
“Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the ministry stated, underscoring its resolve to protect the lives and well-being of Ghanaian nationals wherever they may be.
