The attention of the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa has been drawn to a JoyNews data analysis program and reports suggesting that the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid reintegration and transportation allowances to persons whose dates of birth were recorded as being in the future.
In a statement to clarify the matter, the High Commission takes responsibility for the minor clerical errors which affect only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
It noted that it is not unusual in such emergency and traumatic circumstances involving the sudden evacuation of thousands of distressed Ghanaians for such errors to occur. The Mission however emphasized that every Ghanaian evacuated underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure formalities prior to evacuation.
“Our verification of the records indicate that the dates interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates,” the statement explained.
The High Commission acknowledged that clerical errors may have occurred during the transcription of some passport details by its officials.
However, it stressed that 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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the verified details of the persons referenced are as follows:
– James Akoto Baffour – Date of Birth: 26/12/2009; Footballer; Passport No.: N04695287; Expiry Date: 11/05/2036.
– Precious Sekyiwaa – Date of Birth: 02/05/1983; Hairdresser; Passport No.: G5050272; Expiry Date: 08/10/2034.
– Philip Oduro – Date of Birth: 12/04/1994; Security; Passport No.: G4669397; Expiry Date: 16/05/2034.
– Victoria Eduaquah – Date of Birth: 11/03/1990; Passport No.: G5166804; Expiry Date: 19/09/2034.
– Prince Obeng Boateng – Date of Birth: 13/07/2007; Passport No.: G5211193; Expiry Date: 27/10/2034.
– Ebenezar Losu – Date of Birth: 13/07/1996; Barber; Passport No.: G3876621; Expiry Date: 14/11/2032.
– Akua Brifoh – Date of Birth: 02/03/1982; Passport No.: A0102277; Expiry Date: 14/12/2031.
– Philimon Opoku Nsiah – Date of Birth: 18/06/2010; Footballer; Passport No.: G3641326; Expiry Date: 26/05/2032.
– Rebecca Agyiwaa Opoku – Date of Birth: 16/06/1986; Hairdresser; Passport No.: N01640255; Expiry Date: 09/09/2035.
– Emmanuel Ampomah — Date of Birth: 20/07/1980; Barber; Passport No.: G5050288; Expiry Date: 08/10/2034.
– Rose Pokua – Date of Birth: 28/06/1984; Passport No.: G1980087; Expiry Date: 02/04/2023.
– Thomas Nkrumah – Date of Birth: 31/12/1990; Passport No.: N04900956; Expiry Date: 28/05/2036.
– Rita Acouah – Date of Birth: 22/03/1988; Passport No.: G2021670; Expiry Date: 07/05/2023
– Rashid Abubakar – Date of Birth: 19/03/1988; Passport No.: G0079679; Expiry Date: 24/01/2016.
– David Botwey – Date of Birth: 24/04/1989; Passport No.: G3636568; Expiry Date: 26/05/2032.
With regards to the Jibril family, comprising six persons, including a mother and five children, the High Commission wishes to clarify that they travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as duly reflected in the attached amended list.
Accordingly, the corrected information relating to the fifteen individuals has been provided in the amended list to facilitate the appropriate update of the records and ensure that the public is accurately informed.
These details confirm the identities of the persons concerned and the corresponding travel documentation.
The High Commission fully respects the important role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, adding that in that spirit, it encourages verification with the appropriate official sources whenever apparent discrepancies arise in administrative records.
“Fundamentally, we are proud of our efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely,” the statement said.
The High Commission remains available to provide any necessary clarification and respectfully urges the media and the general public to be guided by the verified and corrected records.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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