Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has earned widespread commendation for his dedicated service and swift diplomatic interventions in the wake of violent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.
Since his appointment as Ghana’s envoy to Pretoria, Mr. Quashie has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Ghanaian citizens living in South Africa, particularly during periods of tension and uncertainty caused by recurring xenophobic violence. His leadership has been described by many within the Ghanaian community as calm, proactive, and deeply reassuring.
Over the years, the High Commissioner has worked tirelessly to engage South African authorities, strengthen ties with Ghanaian associations, and ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaians residing across South Africa. Through regular community engagements, emergency response coordination, and diplomatic consultations, the mission under his leadership has remained accessible to distressed nationals seeking assistance.
Mr. Quashie’s commitment to duty has once again come into sharp focus following recent developments surrounding planned evacuations for Ghanaians who expressed the desire to return home amid renewed fears and misinformation circulating on social media.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, publicly praised the High Commissioner in a Facebook post, describing him as hardworking and commending his swift action in locating a Ghanaian national, Mr. Sylvester Boakye, who reportedly missed updated evacuation notices.
According to the Minister, Mr. Boakye had appeared alone at the O.R. Tambo International Airport under the impression that a chartered evacuation flight arranged by the Government of Ghana was departing. However, the Foreign Minister clarified that no such evacuation flight had yet been dispatched because Ghanaian authorities and their South African counterparts had agreed to temporarily defer the evacuation process pending the resolution of legal, technical, and logistical issues.
“I commend Ghana’s hardworking High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie for locating the young Ghanaian who missed out on our updated evacuation notice and was the only Ghanaian to report at the O.R. Tambo Airport yesterday,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
The Minister further assured that no Ghanaian willing to return home would be abandoned, noting that the planned evacuation exercise is expected to cover approximately 800 people.
“The young Ghanaian by name Sylvester Boakye can be assured that he would not be left out of the planned evacuations expected to cover some 800 people. No Ghanaian desirous of returning home would be left behind,” the Minister added.
Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that the High Commissioner personally met with Mr. Boakye at Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria, a move he said exposed false reports claiming that the young man had already been evacuated to Ghana aboard a chartered flight.
“The High Commissioner’s meeting with Mr. Sylvester Boakye in our Pretoria diplomatic mission today further exposes fake news reports that Mr. Boakye was the only Ghanaian evacuated to Ghana by our chartered flight,” the Minister explained.
He stressed that truth and transparency must prevail over misinformation, concluding with the statement: “Truth stands; and truth always wins.”
Observers say the latest development underscores the critical role being played by High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie in safeguarding the interests of Ghanaians in South Africa during difficult times. Many have praised his responsiveness, hands-on approach, and continued engagement with both Ghanaian citizens and South African authorities as tensions surrounding xenophobic attacks continue to generate concern among migrant communities.
