Accra, Ghana – On Wednesday, May 27, 26 Ghanaian prisoners, detained for visa and stay permit violations, were among the first 300 Ghanaian nationals repatriated from South Africa. The evacuation, facilitated by a diplomatic agreement, followed a recent surge in xenophobic violence across South Africa, aiming to protect citizens affected by the unrest.
Diplomatic Negotiation Secures Release of Detained Ghanaians
The repatriation effort saw 26 Ghanaian prisoners, previously held for immigration-related offenses, returned to Accra alongside other evacuees. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the successful negotiation with South African authorities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring no Ghanaian remained imprisoned in South Africa.
Speaking at the Accra International Airport upon the evacuees’ arrival, Mr. Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to the South African government. He specifically thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa and his counterpart, the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, for accepting Ghana’s plea to release the detained individuals.
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