The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says government will resume the next phase of evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa starting Sunday, July 26, following continued xenophobic attacks against migrants in that country.
In a press statement dated Saturday, July 25, the Ministry said the latest phase will cover about 1,000 Ghanaians, evacuated in groups, with the first flights scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday and Monday, July 27.
The exercise will begin with Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily return home with government assistance.
Consistent with existing policy, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students.
The Ministry has asked distressed Ghanaians in South Africa to contact the High Commission for inquiries and assistance with travel arrangements.
The statement expressed special appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, and to Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for allowing their premises to be used free of charge as shelters for weeks for Ghanaians who fled their homes awaiting processing by the High Commission.
The Ministry said government and the High Commission in Pretoria remain alert, with the emergency consular response reactivated to assist all Ghanaians in South Africa wishing to return home safely.
It urged Ghanaians in the country to remain calm, avoid areas of unrest, ignore provocations, and cooperate fully with High Commission officials to ensure a successful evacuation, as was the case in the first phase.
Government assured that it will leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way.