Swift evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa: Legal practitioner commends Foreign Minister, Chief of Protocol
The former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul Twum-Barimah, has lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the “swift, well-coordinated, and professionally executed” evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa, following recent anti-immigrant tensions and reported attacks on foreign nationals.
He particularly commended the sector Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Chief of Protocol, Desmond Agyemang, saying that the timely intervention by the authorities demonstrated a high level of preparedness, coordination, and commitment to the protection of Ghanaian lives abroad.
Mr Twum-Barimah, who is also the former Vice-Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Eighth Parliament, was reacting to the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa in Accra last Thursday.
Responsive foreign policy
Mr Twum-Barimah said the response by the Foreign Ministry reflected “a mature and responsive foreign policy posture that prioritises citizens over bureaucracy.
“I must commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Protocol, Desmond Agyemang, for the speed and efficiency with which they handled the evacuation process.
“It is not every day that you see this level of coordination between our diplomatic missions and the home government in moments of crisis,” he stated.
He further noted that the evacuation exercise, which saw hundreds of Ghanaians safely transported back home, underscored the importance of strengthening Ghana’s consular response systems and emergency diplomatic channels.
“What we have witnessed is a clear demonstration that when institutions work together effectively, the state is able to protect its citizens even in complex and volatile international environments,” he added.
Rationale for evacuation
The evacuation was triggered by escalating unrest in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigrant protests and isolated attacks on foreign nationals raised serious safety concerns for African migrants, including Ghanaians.
The situation prompted urgent diplomatic engagement between Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria and South African authorities.
Reports indicate that about 300 Ghanaian nationals were successfully repatriated under a coordinated emergency arrangement facilitated by the Ghanaian mission, with assistance from South African authorities.
Some of the evacuees had reportedly been stranded, while others faced heightened security risks amid the unrest.
Ghana’s image
Mr Twum-Barimah stressed that such interventions were not only humanitarian but also strategic in protecting Ghana’s international image and safeguarding its diaspora communities.
“Every Ghanaian abroad represents the nation’s identity.
When their safety is threatened, the response of the state must be immediate, decisive, and well-coordinated.
In this case, I believe the Ministry has acted in a manner worthy of commendation,” he said.
He also reserved praise for the Chief of Protocol, Mr Agyemang, describing his role in the coordination process as “instrumental in ensuring seamless logistics and communication between all actors involved."
“The Chief of Protocol played a critical role in ensuring that the evacuation process was not only fast but orderly.
That level of professionalism is what we expect from our public service leadership,” he noted.
The Foreign Ministry has indicated that returnees will be supported with reintegration assistance, including counselling and welfare support, as part of efforts to help them resettle and rebuild their lives in Ghana.
