By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has cautioned citizens participating in the ongoing repatriation programme that returning to South Africa afterward could carry significant legal consequences.
According to the envoy:
“Once your fingerprints are taken during the repatriation process, you cannot return to South Africa. Anyone who does so faces a compulsory 10-year ban.”
The warning comes as Ghana prepares another phase of its repatriation initiative involving hundreds of nationals who have chosen to leave South Africa amid security concerns.
Officials say the process is governed by South African immigration regulations and requires participants to fully understand the implications before enrolling.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
The announcement introduces a difficult choice for many migrants. While immediate safety concerns may encourage departure, a decade-long restriction on re-entry could affect future employment and economic opportunities. Policymakers must therefore ensure that participants make informed decisions with a full understanding of the consequences.
