President John Dramani Mahama has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians living in South Africa following latest xenophobic attacks.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 12, stating that the President had granted approval for urgent evacuation.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.
He explained that the affected citizens had earlier complied with an advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for assistance.
“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa further assured that government remains committed to protecting Ghanaian citizens wherever they are located.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,” he stated.
The evacuation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has in the past led to attacks on foreign nationals and prompted emergency interventions by several countries, including Ghana.
