Benjamin Quashie defends evacuation records of 1,964 Ghanaians

Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has defended the evacuation team responsible for repatriating 1,964 citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks. The defense follows public criticism over clerical errors found in 15 records, which some observers interpreted as impossible birth dates for "unborn" individuals. Quashie emphasized that the successful repatriation of nearly 2,000 people under intense pressure should not be overshadowed by a small number of documentation discrepancies.

The High Commissioner clarified that the errors originated from documentation provided by South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA). According to a response to data analysis by JoyNews, what were initially flagged as "impossible" birth dates occurring in the future were actually passport expiry dates incorrectly mapped in the final screening list. Quashie explained that the BMA provided these documents for the final screening process, and the High Commission was unable to alter the primary data at the time of the evacuation.

Addressing the pressure the team faced during the emergency operation, Quashie stated that the mistakes were minor compared to the overall mission's success. He acknowledged responsibility for the clerical oversight but reiterated that the evacuation team deserves praise for ensuring the safety of affected Ghanaians. The High Commission has since contacted the South African Border Management Authority to address the discrepancies and ensure the records are properly aligned.

The evacuation was a critical response to the rising tensions and xenophobic attacks in South Africa, aimed at providing a safe passage for Ghanaians returning home. By releasing the specific passport details and correcting the misunderstanding regarding the dates, the High Commission seeks to restore confidence in the integrity of the repatriation process. The mission remains focused on the welfare of Ghanaians living in South Africa while maintaining communication with local authorities to prevent further administrative errors.