Evacuation via sea an option for Ghanaians in SA – Ahwoi

Ghana’s ambassador to South Africa Kwesi Ahwoi says government is making arrangements to evacuate Ghanaians from the ‘rainbow nation’ if the ongoing xenophobic attacks escalate.

He said the Ghana High Commission has two options at disposal for a possible evacuation – via air and via sea.

“As at this material time you are talking to me, the situation does not demand mass evacuation of Ghanaians,” he said.

“Nobody has informed or contacted [the Commission] that they want to go home.”

Mr Ahwoi was speaking on Accra-based Starr FM on Saturday, April 18 when he made these known.

He acknowledged that other South African countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe were quick to evacuate their citizens because of their closeness to South Africa.

All they needed were vehicles, the former Interior Minister said.

But the Ghanaians will need an aeroplane or a ship for a possible evacuation, he stated.

Ghana’s ambassador dispelled reports that some Ghanaians are stranded, emphasizing hat he High Commission is in constant touch with all Ghanaians in South Africa.

Those in the villages have moved to town for refuge, he said, and the Commission is planning to provide them with some logistics.

He confirmed the death of Emmanuel Quaicoo on April 7, 2015 but indicated that the police are yet to establish whether it was related to the xenophobic attacks or not.