Senior Ghanaian workers in South Africa’s mining sector have reportedly appealed to be included in the government’s ongoing evacuation exercise amid growing fears over xenophobic attacks.
According to a report by DW Africa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, disclosed that the miners are worried about their safety and have reached out through their leaders seeking assistance.
The miners are said to be particularly concerned ahead of a planned demonstration scheduled for June 30, which they fear could escalate tensions against foreign nationals.
“Senior Ghanaian workers in South Africa’s mining sector have asked to be included in Ghana’s evacuation exercise amid rising fears of xenophobic attacks,” part of a post shared by DW Africa on Facebook stated.
The report added that the workers contacted the Ghana High Commission, expressing concerns about their security and requesting inclusion in the repatriation programme.
“Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the workers reached out through their leaders, saying they feel unsafe ahead of a planned demonstration on June 30,” the post noted.
Quashie also dismissed claims by some South African officials that only 10 out of the 300 Ghanaians recently evacuated had legal documentation to stay in the country.
According to him, approximately 80 of the evacuees were lawful migrants with the required documentation.
Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana is continuing the screening process for the next batch of about 600 Ghanaians expected to be evacuated from South Africa as concerns over xenophobic attacks persist.
