Ghana High Commission clarifies SA evacuation data

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has clarified that what were reported as future dates of birth in the records of evacuated Ghanaians were actually passport expiry dates.

The Mission says it takes responsibility for the minor clerical errors which affected only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.

According to the High Commission, every Ghanaian evacuated underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure formalities prior to evacuation.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued by the High Commission on Monday, October 20, 2026, in response to a JoyNews data analysis programme which suggested that government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid reintegration and transportation allowances to persons whose dates of birth were recorded as being in the future.

The High Commission explained that verification of its records shows that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were in fact passport expiry dates, and that errors may have occurred during transcription of some passport details by its officials.

“These minor clerical errors do not invalidate the identities of the evacuees, their participation in the evacuation exercise, or the fact that they received the approved reintegration and transportation allowances,” the statement said.

It said such errors are not unusual in emergency and traumatic circumstances involving the sudden evacuation of thousands of distressed nationals.

Providing corrected details of the 15 individuals, the Mission listed them as James Akoto Baffour, born on 26/12/2009; Precious Sekyiwaa, 02/05/1983; Philip Oduro, 12/04/1994; Victoria Eduaquah, 11/03/1990; Prince Obeng Boateng, 13/07/2007; Ebenezar Losu, 13/07/1996; Akua Brifoh, 02/03/1982; Philimon Opoku Nsiah, 18/06/2010; Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, 16/06/1986; Emmanuel Ampomah, 20/07/1980; Rose Pokua, 28/06/1984; Thomas Nkrumah, 31/12/1990; Rita Acouah, 22/03/1988; Rashid Abubakar, 19/03/1988; and David Botwey, 24/04/1989.

With regards to the Jibril family, made up of a mother and five children, the High Commission clarified that they travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates as reflected in the amended list attached to the statement.

It said the corrected information has been provided to facilitate appropriate update of the records and to ensure the public is accurately informed.

The High Commission said it respects the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, and urged verification with official sources whenever apparent discrepancies arise in administrative records.

“Fundamentally, we are proud of our efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely,” it added.