Minority Challenges Government’s Publicity Strategy Over South Africa Evacuation Exercise
By: Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada | June 4, 2026
The Minority in Parliament has criticized what it describes as excessive publicity surrounding the government’s evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority, Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Samuel Abdulai Jinapor acknowledged the successful arrival of nearly 300 evacuees but urged authorities to focus more on assisting those who remain stranded.
Jinapor stated:
The minister for foreign affairs should focus on delivering, should focus on substantive work and pay less attention to public relations.”
He further noted that Ghana has historically conducted larger evacuation exercises, including operations during the Liberian and Sierra Leonean conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine crisis.
According to him, approximately 1,500 Ghanaians remain registered in South Africa seeking assistance, making continued support more important than ceremonial receptions.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
The disagreement reflects a common tension in governance between communicating achievements and delivering results. While governments naturally seek to highlight successful interventions, opposition parties often measure success by the unresolved challenges that remain. The real test will be how effectively authorities assist the remaining citizens seeking repatriation.
