News
Ghana High Commission admits clerical errors in records of 15 South Africa evacuees
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has admitted clerical errors in the records of 15 out of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from the country, following a JoyNews data analysis that raised questions about the dates of birth recorded for some beneficiaries.
In a press statement dated October 19, 2026, the High Commission explained that the dates interpreted as future dates of birth were, in fact, passport expiry dates that had been wrongly recorded during the transcription of some passport details.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid transportation and reintegration allowances to some evacuees whose recorded dates of birth appeared to be in the future.
The High Commission accepted responsibility for the errors, describing them as minor clerical mistakes that affected only 15 individuals out of the total number of evacuees.
It maintained, however, that all Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa underwent the required identification, data processing and departure procedures before their evacuation.
The mission further stated that the errors did not invalidate the identities of the affected individuals, their participation in the evacuation exercise or their receipt of the approved allowances.
It provided corrected personal details, including dates of birth and passport expiry dates, for the 15 individuals to facilitate the update of the records.
The High Commission also clarified that the Jibril family, comprising six people, including a mother and her five children, travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates, as reflected in an amended list.
It said the corrected information had been provided to ensure that official records were updated and the public received accurate information.
While acknowledging the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, the High Commission encouraged journalists to verify apparent discrepancies with the appropriate official sources.
The mission defended the evacuation exercise, expressing pride in the efforts made to rescue Ghanaians and bring them home safely.
It assured the media and the public that it remained available to provide further clarification on the matter.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai.
According to GES, the decision is intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference, nor the perception of it.
The two directors are to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kwame Boateng.
Management added that the headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, also remains interdicted and therefore urged the public to ignore any news circulating that he has been cleared.
Management is calling for calm, support and cooperation as thorough investigations into the matter continue.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has joined the family of the late Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, the Ghanaian community in the UK, and other dignitaries for a memorial service in Southwark, UK.
In a post, Mr. Ablakwa described the service as deeply moving and unforgettable, held in honour of the late professor’s memory.
According to him, in keeping with the government’s pledge, he joined the family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to London, British MPs, Ministers, the Mayor of London, Cambridge scholars, Prof. Arday’s students and loved ones to pay respects and honour his inspiring legacy.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that Prof. Arday’s accomplishments as the youngest Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge and his widely appreciated charitable contributions will continue to inspire generations.
“The Government and People of Ghana will continue to stand by our compatriots everywhere they are in the world. As we do so, we profess our commitment to justice, equality and the creation of a new world,” he said.
He prayed for fortitude for the family in what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time.
“We shall always remember Prof. Arday for his response when asked what he will wish to do to change the world: ‘I would take a thread and a needle, and I’d interweave love into our society’,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
