Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria has clarified reports by JoyNews suggesting that the government of Ghana paid reintegration and transportation allowances to persons with questionable dates of birth during the emergency evacuation from South Africa.
In a statement dated October 19, 2026, the High Commission said its attention was drawn to the data analysis program alleging that persons whose dates of birth were recorded as being in the future had received allowances.
The Mission takes responsibility for the errors, but stressed that it affects only 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated.
“It is worth pointing out that it is not unusual in such emergency and traumatic circumstances involving the sudden evacuation of thousands of distressed Ghanaians,” the statement said.
According to the High Commission, all Ghanaians evacuated underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure formalities.
Upon verification, it said the dates interpreted as dates of birth were in fact passport expiry dates, and that clerical errors may have occurred during transcription of some passport details.
“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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission published the corrected details of the 15 persons, including:
– James Akoto Baffour – DOB: 26/12/2009; Footballer; Passport No.: N0499287; Expiry: 11/05/2036
– Precious Sekyiwaa – DOB: 02/05/1983; Hairdresser; Passport No.: G5050272; Expiry: 08/10/2034
– Philip Oduro – DOB: 12/04/1994; Security; Passport No.: G4689397; Expiry: 16/05/2034
– Philimon Opoku Nsiah – DOB: 18/06/2010; Footballer; Passport No.: G3641326; Expiry: 25/05/2032 among others.
With regards to the Jibril family, comprising six persons including a mother and five children, the Mission clarified that they travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates.
The High Commission said the corrected information has been provided in an amended list to facilitate appropriate update of records.
It added that it respects the role of the media in promoting transparency, but encouraged verification with appropriate official sources whenever apparent discrepancies arise.
“Fundamentally, we are proud of our efforts and sacrifices to save the lives of Ghanaians and bring them home safely,” the statement added.
