JOHANNESBURG - The first group of Ghanaian nationals who've accepted their government’s repatriation offer are on their way home.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa Benjamin Quashie confirmed that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered for voluntary evacuation.
The group will depart from the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Quashie said while most people who were leaving had not personally experienced any danger, they felt unsafe amid the ongoing anti-immigration protests. Some said they had received threats to leave by 30 June.
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"The responsibility of any government is towards its citizens. We have a situation where people are feeling unwelcome. While we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no option but to ensure that our citizens are safe," Quashie said.
Quashie noted that there are currently over 16,000 Ghanaians residing in South Africa, the vast majority of whom are there legally and adhere to local laws.
More Ghanaian nationals are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.
The development comes amid an ongoing national debate around the presence and documentation of foreign nationals in South Africa.