Ghana High Commission In South Africa Admits Errors In Records Of 15 Evacuees
Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has admitted errors in the records of 15 Ghanaians evacuated from the country, explaining that dates identified as future birth dates were passport expiry dates.
The clarification follows reports questioning the accuracy of records linked to the government’s evacuation exercise and the payment of reintegration and transportation allowances to Ghanaians brought home from South Africa.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the High Commission accepted responsibility for the errors, which it said affected 15 of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated.
The High Commission explained that the mistakes occurred during the transcription of some passport details by its officials, noting that such errors could happen during emergency operations involving large numbers of distressed people.
“Our verification of the records indicate that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates.”
Despite acknowledging the discrepancies, the High Commission maintained that all the evacuees underwent the necessary identification, data-processing and departure procedures before leaving South Africa.
It further insisted that the errors did not affect the identities of the individuals involved or their eligibility to receive the approved allowances.
“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.”
To address the concerns raised, the High Commission released corrected details for the 15 individuals, including their dates of birth and passport expiry dates.
Those named in the statement include James Akoto Baffour, Precious Sekyiwaa, Philip Oduro, Victoria Eduaquah, Prince Obeng Boateng, Ebenezar Losu, Akua Brifoh, Philimon Opoku Nsiah, Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku, Emmanuel Ampomah, Rose Pokua, Thomas Nkrumah, Rita Acouah, Rashid Abubakar and David Botwey.
The High Commission said the corrected information had been submitted in an amended list to facilitate updates to the records and ensure the public received accurate information.
It also clarified that six members of the Jibril family, comprising a mother and her five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as indicated in the amended list.
According to the High Commission, the verified details confirm the identities of the individuals and the travel documents used during the evacuation exercise.
The High Commission said it recognised the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability, urging journalists to consult appropriate official sources whenever inconsistencies are identified in administrative records.
It also called on the public and the media to rely on the corrected information provided by the High Commission.
“Fundamentally, we are proud of our efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely.”
The High Commission added that it remained available to provide further clarification on the evacuation exercise.
