The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has attributed discrepancies in the records of 15 Ghanaians evacuated from the country to clerical errors, insisting that all evacuees underwent the required identification and departure procedures.
The clarification follows a JoyNews data analysis programme and reports suggesting that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid reintegration and transportation allowances to individuals whose recorded dates of birth appeared to be in the future.
In a statement dated Monday, October 19, the High Commission said the errors affected 15 of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated during the exercise.
According to the Commission, some passport expiry dates were mistakenly recorded as dates of birth during the transcription of passport details.
“Our verification of the records indicate that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates,” the statement said.
The High Commission acknowledged that clerical errors might have occurred but maintained that the mistakes did not invalidate the identities of the affected individuals or their participation in the evacuation exercise.
“However, 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,” it added.
The Commission said it had provided corrected details for the affected individuals, including their dates of birth, occupations where available, and passport expiry dates. Those listed include footballers James Akoto Baffour and Philimon Opoku Nsiah, hairdressers Precious Sekyiwaa and Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, and barber Emmanuel Ampomah.
Other individuals named in the corrected records include Philip Oduro, Victoria Eduaquah, Prince Obeng Boateng, Ebenezar Losu, Akua Brifoh, Rose Pokua, Thomas Nkrumah, Rita Acouah, Rashid Abubakar and David Botwey.
The High Commission also clarified that the Jibril family, comprising a mother and her five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as reflected in the amended list.
It said the corrected information had been provided to facilitate updates to the official records and ensure that the public received accurate information about the evacuation exercise.
The Commission urged journalists and the public to verify apparent discrepancies in administrative records with the appropriate official sources, while acknowledging the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability.
“The High Commission fully respects the important role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to the exercise, the High Commission said, “Fundamentally, we are proud of our efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely.”
Read the statement below:
