JOHANNESBURG - Immigration officials at OR Tambo International Airport say only 10 of the 300 Ghanaians who showed up for repatriation were in South Africa legally.
This is contrary the Ghanaian High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie, who had indicated that all of those who registered to be repatriated were in the country legally.
As a result, certain enforcement actions from the South African side will have to be implemented to deal with this, says officials.
"We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced," said an immigration official.
The first group left the country on Wednesday. Quashie confirmed that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered for voluntary repatriation.
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He says, although many have confirmed that they were not under attack, they elected to leave as they felt unsafe.
"The responsibility of any government is towards its citizens," he said.
"While we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no option but to ensure that our citizens are safe."
Ghana's Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa took to social media on 18 May to announce that they would repatriate their citizens on 25 May.
To sweeten the move, the country promised transport assistance to various destinations in Ghana upon arrival. The government also promised the repatriates an reintegration allowance and free psychosocial support.
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The country said those returning would be placed in a database for jobs and start-up opportunities.