Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has refuted claims by South African immigration authorities that a significant majority of Ghanaian evacuees lacked proper documentation, asserting that approximately 80% of the first 300 individuals repatriated held legal status. The statements were made on May 28th during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, directly contradicting earlier assertions by Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration and Law Enforcement at South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
Context of Repatriation Efforts
South Africa has recently experienced a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic violence, particularly in major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. These incidents have led to attacks on foreign-owned businesses and individuals, prompting several African nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, to initiate emergency repatriation programs for their citizens.
Dispute Over Documentation Status
Mr. Quashie’s remarks directly challenge the narrative presented by South African immigration officials, who claimed widespread immigration irregularities among the evacuees. The High Commissioner expressed surprise at the comments, given that the immigration official in question was reportedly involved in the entire documentation process from its inception.
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