Ghana High Commission admits errors in SA Evacuation list
15 out of 1,964 affected; “Future Birth Dates” Were Passport Expiry Dates – Mission Clarifies
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has clarified media reports that the Government paid reintegration allowances to evacuees with future dates of birth during the South Africa evacuation exercise.
In a detailed statement dated 19th October, 2026 titled “Clarification of JoyNews’ Data Analysis on Government’s South Africa Evacuation Exercise,” the Mission said its attention was drawn to a JoyNews data analysis suggesting allowances were paid to persons whose dates of birth were in the future.
The High Commission admitted to minor clerical errors affecting only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated.
What Happened:
According to the Mission, the dates interpreted and circulated as dates of birth were in fact passport expiry dates. The error occurred during transcription of passport details by officials working under emergency evacuation conditions.
Corrected List:
The Mission has now published a corrected and amended list of the 15 affected persons to ensure records are properly updated. The list includes:
- A-G on Page 1: Including James Akoto Baffour, Precious Sekyiwaa, Philip Oduro, Victoria Eduaquah, and 3 others – all with corrected Date of Birth and passport expiry dates.
- H-O on Page 2: Philimon Opoku Nsiah, Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, Emmanuel Ampomah, Rose Pokua, Thomas Nkrumah, Rita Acouah, Rashid Abubakar and David Botwey – with corrected details.
The Commission also clarified with regards to the Jibril family, comprising six persons including a mother and five children, that they travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as duly reflected in the attached amended list.
The High Commission stressed:
- Every evacuee underwent required identification and departure formalities
- The errors do not invalidate identities, participation, or entitlement to approved reintegration and transportation allowances
- The exercise was conducted under sudden and traumatic circumstances involving thousands of distressed Ghanaians
“These details confirm the identities of the persons concerned and the corresponding travel documentation,” the statement said.
It added that the Mission fully respects the role of the media, encourages verification with official sources when discrepancies arise, and is proud of its efforts to save lives and bring Ghanaians home safely.
The Mission remains available for any necessary clarification.
Read the full statement below;
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