Ghana High Commission In South Africa Admits Errors in Evacuation Records

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has admitted clerical errors in the records of 15 of 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from the country, explaining that it mistakenly recorded passport expiry dates as dates of birth.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the High Commission accepted responsibility for the errors. Still, it maintained that they did not invalidate the identities of the affected individuals, their participation in the evacuation exercise or their receipt of approved transportation and reintegration allowances.

“The High Commission takes responsibility for the minor clerical errors which affect only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated,” it said.

The clarification follows a JoyNews data analysis and subsequent reports suggesting that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid transportation and reintegration allowances to individuals whose recorded dates of birth appeared to fall in the future.

According to the High Commission, verification of the records established that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates. It acknowledged that some passport details might have been incorrectly transcribed by officials during data processing.

“Our verification of the records indicates that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates,” it stated.

Among the individuals whose records were reviewed were James Akoto Baffour, a footballer born on December 26, 2009, whose passport expires on May 11, 2036, and Philimon Opoku Nsiah, another footballer born on June 18, 2010, with a passport expiry date of May 26, 2032.

The list also included Prince Obeng Boateng, born on July 13, 2007, whose passport expires on October 27, 2034.

Other individuals named in the corrected records were Precious Sekyiwaa, a hairdresser born on May 2, 1983; Philip Oduro, a security worker born on April 12, 1994; and Victoria Eduaquah, born on March 11, 1990.

The remaining names included Ebenezar Losu, a barber born on July 13, 1996; Akua Brifoh, born on March 2, 1982; Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, a hairdresser born on June 16, 1986; and Emmanuel Ampomah, a barber born on July 20, 1980.

The list further identified Rose Pokua, born on June 28, 1984; Thomas Nkrumah, born on December 31, 1990; Rita Acouah, born on March 22, 1988; Rashid Abubakar, born on March 19, 1988; and David Botwey, born on April 24, 1989.

The High Commission explained that all Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa underwent the required identification, data processing and departure formalities before being transported home.

It maintained that the discrepancies were administrative errors and did not undermine the identities of the affected individuals or their participation in the evacuation programme.

The statement said corrected information on the 15 individuals had been submitted in an amended list to facilitate updates to the records and ensure that the public received accurate information.

The High Commission also clarified that the Jibril family, comprising six people, including a mother and five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as reflected in the amended list.

It said the corrected records contained details of the individuals concerned and their corresponding travel documentation.

Acknowledging the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability, the High Commission encouraged journalists to seek clarification from official sources whenever discrepancies arose in administrative records.

“The High Commission fully respects the important role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability,” the statement said, adding that verification with appropriate official sources would help ensure that the public was accurately informed.

The High Commission defended the broader evacuation exercise, describing it as an effort to protect Ghanaian citizens and facilitate their safe return home.

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

The High Commission said it remained available to provide further clarification and urged the media and the public to rely on verified and corrected records when discussing the evacuation exercise.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD