We’re ready to come home -Ghanaians still stranded in South Africa plead for fresh evacuation window

Ghanaians residing in South Africa amid escalating xenophobic attacks are once again urging the government to reopen its voluntary evacuation program. The renewed plea follows the completion of the recent evacuation exercise, which concluded on September 4 with the arrival of the final 41 Ghanaians in Ghana. This brings the total number of returnees to 1,964.

However, for those still stranded, the termination of the program has not alleviated their hardships. Some affected individuals claim they are now experiencing exacerbated difficulties and are calling for an opportunity to return home through the government-supported initiative once more.

Margaret Amenuvegbe, one such individual, expressed her willingness to leave South Africa in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM. She and several others had initially registered for evacuation but subsequently withdrew after hearing reports of overcrowding and subpar accommodations at designated evacuation centers. Ms. Amenuvegbe's group consisted of eight people, including four adults and four children, all hoping to return to Ghana.

Many other citizens, she claims, are in similar predicaments. Ms. Amenuvegbe, who has lived in South Africa for 14 years as a hairdresser, stated that the absence of valid work permits has left many struggling to secure employment and housing, making their plight even more precarious. She appealed to the government to reconsider its decision to end the evacuation program and reopen it for those who remain stranded and vulnerable.