The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has acknowledged clerical errors in the records of 15 Ghanaians evacuated from the country, following a JoyNews data analysis that raised concerns about the dates of birth recorded for some beneficiaries of the government’s evacuation exercise.
In a press statement dated October 19, 2026, the High Commission accepted responsibility for the errors, explaining that dates initially interpreted as dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates mistakenly transcribed by officials.
The Commission said the errors affected 15 individuals out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
It added that the mistakes occurred during the processing of passport details under the emergency and traumatic circumstances surrounding the evacuation of thousands of distressed Ghanaians.
The High Commission, however, maintained that all evacuees underwent the required identification, data-processing and departure procedures before leaving South Africa.
It further stated that the clerical errors did not invalidate the identities of the affected individuals, their participation in the evacuation exercise or their receipt of approved reintegration and transportation allowances.
The statement provided corrected information for the 15 individuals to facilitate the updating of official records and ensure accurate public information.
Addressing questions about a family of six, comprising a mother and five children, the Commission clarified that the family travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as reflected in the amended list.
The High Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, encouraging the media to verify apparent discrepancies in administrative records with the appropriate official sources.
The clarification follows JoyNews’ data analysis 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.
The Commission concluded by reaffirming its commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and ensuring their safe return home.
