Jinapor Blasts Government Over South Africa Evacuation Delay

Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, criticised the government on May 22, 2026 over the postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaians living in South Africa, describing the development as "deeply troubling".

The Minority Caucus on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee issued a statement expressing concern over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens in South Africa due to recent xenophobic incidents. The statement noted that reports of intimidation and attacks had led government to announce plans for an evacuation exercise to support affected Ghanaians. Hundreds of Ghanaians had reportedly registered with Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria in anticipation of being evacuated or assisted. The government later announced a postponement of the exercise, citing legal and logistical challenges. The Minority argued that such issues should have been addressed before any public commitments were made, stating "Such matters should not become obstacles in the middle of a crisis response. They are issues that ought to have been considered and addressed before commitments were made publicly".

The Minority has renewed its call on government to act with urgency, provide regular updates to affected citizens and the public, and ensure all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the dignity, welfare and safety of Ghanaians living abroad. The caucus warned that the postponement reinforces growing concerns about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' approach to citizen protection and crisis management.