Scores of Ghanaian nationals attended a screening and verification process at the Ghanaian embassy in Pretoria on Sunday, preparing for evacuation from South Africa. The turnout follows recent anti-migration protests that have swept across the country, leading to arrangements for Ghanaians wishing to depart. This screening process was conducted for the first 300 individuals scheduled to leave on Wednesday.
Evacuation Details Emerge
Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, confirmed that 826 Ghanaian nationals had registered for evacuation. "The government of Ghana feels that it is time to bring those who feel unsafe in this country back home, to reintegrate them into the Ghanaian society," Mr. Quashie stated. He added, "We have 800 people going to Ghana, writing their names, who have volunteered to leave South Africa." The initial screening process, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday, was for the first 300 individuals slated to depart on Wednesday. Mr. Quashie characterized the situation, saying, "I think that we don't have to mince words in calling it xenophobic attacks. I believe that the things that have been happening across the country, where people take the law into their own hands, are a challenge." He also expressed optimism that the events would not strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, emphasizing the need to "move from talking and get to action."
Context of Protests and Fears
Nationwide protests organized by the interest group March and March have occurred across South Africa, specifically in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. These demonstrations have urged non-South African nationals to depart the country by the end of June. The calls for their departure have contributed to an atmosphere of concern among foreign residents. Ghana currently has more than 16,000 of its citizens residing in South Africa. The recent anti-migration sentiment fueling these protests has prompted Ghanaian authorities to arrange for the evacuation of nationals who feel unsafe or wish to return home.
Individual Experiences and Embassy Role
A Ghanaian resident, who chose to remain unnamed, recounted multiple physical attacks during his ten years in South Africa, including a recent incident in Meadowlands, Soweto. "I was attacked by a group of guys in Meadowlands, who were speaking in the local language. Unfortunately, I could not speak their language. They then kicked me and beat me up. That is why I have run to the embassy because I want to go home," he stated.
Separately, Sylvester Boakye, 22, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport alone due to a miscommunication regarding the scheduled date of a chartered flight to Ghana. Boakye, who had worked as a hairdresser for the past two years, expressed his difficulties. "When I missed my flight on my visit to South Africa, I could not raise enough money to go back home. A fellow Ghanaian tried to help me and gave me a job," Boakye said. He added, "I tried to raise enough money to return home, but things became too difficult as the little money I would make would be taken from me by corrupt officials, who always target us for bribes."
Ghanaian Government's Stance
Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, stated that the Ghanaian government believes "it is time to bring those who feel unsafe in this country back home, to reintegrate them into the Ghanaian society." Mr. Quashie added, "We have 800 people going to Ghana, writing their names, who have volunteered to leave South Africa."
