Ghana High Commission clarifies errors in South Africa evacuation records
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has clarified discrepancies in records relating to Ghanaians evacuated from the country, following a JoyNews data analysis that suggested the government paid reintegration and transportation allowances to individuals whose recorded dates of birth were in the future.
In a press statement dated October 19, 2026, the High Commission acknowledged minor clerical errors affecting 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
The Commission explained that the discrepancies resulted from errors made by officials when transcribing passport details, with passport expiry dates mistakenly recorded as dates of birth.
According to the statement, all Ghanaians evacuated underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure formalities before their evacuation. It stressed that the errors did not invalidate the identities of the individuals involved, their participation in the exercise or their eligibility for the approved reintegration and transportation allowances.
The High Commission subsequently provided corrected information for the 15 individuals to facilitate updates to the relevant records and ensure accurate public reporting.
It also clarified that the Jibril family, comprising six people, including a mother and five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as indicated in the amended list.
The Commission maintained that the corrected records confirm the identities of the individuals concerned and the validity of their corresponding travel documentation.
While acknowledging the importance of media scrutiny in promoting transparency and accountability, the High Commission encouraged journalists to verify apparent discrepancies with the appropriate official sources before drawing conclusions from administrative records.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives of Ghanaians and ensuring their safe return home, adding that it remained available to provide any necessary clarification.
The statement was issued by the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, on October 19, 2026.