The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has acknowledged clerical errors in the evacuation records of 15 Ghanaians who returned from South Africa, attributing the discrepancies to the incorrect transcription of passport details by its officials.
In a statement dated October 19, 2026, the High Commission explained that passport expiry dates had mistakenly been entered as dates of birth, creating apparent inconsistencies in the records of some evacuees.
The admission follows a data analysis that raised questions about the accuracy of information submitted in connection with the evacuation exercise, particularly records relating to individuals whose dates of birth appeared to be in the future.
The Commission accepted responsibility for the errors but maintained that they did not affect the identities of the individuals involved, their participation in the evacuation or their receipt of approved reintegration and transportation allowances.
“The High Commission takes responsibility for the minor clerical errors which affect only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated,” the statement said.
Commission defends evacuation process
Despite the discrepancies, the High Commission insisted that all 1,964 Ghanaians underwent the necessary identification, data-processing and departure procedures before leaving South Africa.
It said the affected records had been corrected and the revised details provided to ensure that the public had access to accurate information.
The Commission maintained that the errors were administrative in nature and did not invalidate the evacuation exercise or the documentation of those involved.
It also clarified details concerning the Jibril family, comprising six people—a mother and her five children—who travelled using Emergency Travel Certificates.
According to the High Commission, the family’s travel documentation was reflected in an amended list.
“These details confirm the identities of the persons concerned and the corresponding travel documentation,” the statement said.
High Commission calls for verification
The Commission urged journalists and the public to seek clarification from the relevant official sources whenever inconsistencies emerge in administrative records.
It said it respected the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed the importance of verifying apparent discrepancies before drawing conclusions about the evacuation exercise.
The statement reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to the operation, which it said involved considerable effort and sacrifice to ensure the safe return of Ghanaians from South Africa.
The controversy emerged after an analysis of the evacuation data questioned some of the recorded personal details and payments associated with the exercise.
While acknowledging the errors affecting 15 individuals, the High Commission maintained that the discrepancies did not undermine the validity of the evacuation process or the allowances paid to the affected persons.
It said it remained available to provide further clarification on the corrected records.
