Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, says more than 15,000 Ghanaians have so far been registered in South Africa as authorities intensify efforts to account for citizens amid renewed xenophobic attacks.
According to Mr. Quashie disclosed that the ongoing registration exercise has revealed a far higher number of Ghanaians living in South Africa than previously estimated.
According to him, earlier records suggested the Ghanaian population in South Africa stood at just over 5,000, but the current registration drive has significantly revised the figures upward.
Mr. Quashie explained that the exercise is still ongoing, particularly in remote areas and informal settlements where communication challenges have made registration difficult.
He noted that some Ghanaian residents in those communities are unable to access online registration platforms or contact officials through designated communication channels.
The High Commissioner’s comments come after government approved the evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had approved the evacuation exercise to ensure the safety of affected Ghanaian citizens.
Mr. Quashie assured Ghanaians living in South Africa that government remains committed to protecting their welfare and dignity abroad.
He also stressed that Ghana expects the same respect and protection for its citizens overseas as it offers to foreign nationals living in Ghana.
