The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has clarified that data discrepancies highlighted in a recent news report of the government’s South Africa evacuation exercise were clerical errors, not indications of falsified identities.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the High Commission said its attention had been drawn to the report suggesting that the 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 took responsibility for what it described as minor clerical errors affecting only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated. It noted that such errors are not unusual in emergency and traumatic circumstances involving the sudden evacuation of thousands of distressed citizens.
It emphasised that every Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure formalities prior to evacuation.
Passport expiry dates recorded as birth dates
The High Commission explained that its verification of the records indicated that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates. It acknowledged that clerical errors may have occurred during the transcription of some passport details by its officials.
It, however, stressed that these 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.
To ensure transparency, the High Commission provided the verified details of the 15 affected individuals, including their names, dates of birth, occupations, passport numbers and passport expiry dates. Among those listed were James Akoto Baffour, Precious Sekyiwaa, Philip Oduro, Victoria Eduaquah, Prince Obeng Boateng and Ebenezer Losu. Others were Akua Brifoh, Philimon Opoku Nsiah, Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, Emmanuel Ampomah, Rose Pokua, Thomas Nkrumah, Rita Acouah, Rashid Abubakar and David Botwey.
The statement further clarified that the Jibril family, comprising six persons including a mother and five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as duly reflected in the attached amended list.
Media verification encouraged
The High Commission said the corrected information relating to the fifteen individuals had been provided in the amended list to facilitate the appropriate update of records and ensure the public is accurately informed. It added that the details confirm the identities of the persons concerned and their corresponding travel documentation.
The High Commission said it fully respects the important role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, and encouraged verification with appropriate official sources whenever apparent discrepancies arise in administrative records.
It reaffirmed its pride in its efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely, adding that it remains available to provide any necessary clarification and urged the media and the general public to be guided by the verified and corrected records.
