STRANDED GHANAIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA RAISE CONCERNS OVER DELAYED REPATRIATION

Some Ghanaian nationals who remain stranded in South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks have expressed frustration over delays in their repatriation, raising concerns about the support they are receiving from Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria. The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, initiated efforts to evacuate affected Ghanaians after the attacks. Reports indicate that about 900 Ghanaians have already been repatriated, while others remain in South Africa awaiting their return home. Speaking in a telephone interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi on the Ghana Nti Morning Show, one of the stranded Ghanaians, who identified himself as Wofa Kwesi, appealed to the Ghana High Commission to expedite the evacuation process. While commending the High Commission for facilitating the return of the first group of evacuees, Wofa Kwesi alleged that officials had assured those still in South Africa that they would be repatriated within the past two weeks, but that this had not yet happened. According to him, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, later explained in a television interview that immigration officials expected to process the returnees were temporarily engaged at the Nigerian High Commission and would attend to the Ghanaian evacuees once that assignment had been completed. Wofa Kwesi said many of the stranded Ghanaians are currently facing extremely difficult conditions. He claimed that some have no access to adequate shelter, food, or other basic necessities, while the cold winter weather has worsened the situation, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with health conditions. He further alleged that although approximately 960 people were expected to be repatriated, only about 900 were included in the initial arrangements. According to him, officials informed them that while one aircraft was ready, authorities preferred to wait until all three scheduled flights were available before completing the evacuation to avoid leaving any group behind. He concluded by appealing to the Ghana High Commission, led by Benjamin Quarshie, and the Government of Ghana to provide clear updates on the repatriation process and expedite the return of the remaining stranded Ghanaians. The Ghana High Commission has not publicly responded to the specific allegations made during the interview. The repatriation process is expected to continue as authorities work to ensure the safe return of all affected Ghanaian nationals.