Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed reports circulating on traditional and social media alleging that Ghana had been removed from South Africa's visa-free travel arrangement, assuring the public that no such decision has been taken.

The assurance comes as government prepares to repatriate about 1,000 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks linked to anti-immigration sentiments among some South Africans.

"I also wish to address reports that circulated on traditional and social media alleging that Ghana had been removed from South Africa's visa free travel arrangement.”

"As the South African authorities have themselves indicated, no such decision has been taken on this matter which is governed by an agreement applicable on a reciprocal basis,” the minister said.

He stressed: "The government, therefore, wishes to state categorically that the existing reciprocal visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa remains fully in force.

"The public should, therefore, disregard reports suggesting that Ghanaian citizens have lost the benefit of visa free travel to South Africa."

According to the minister, any changes to the arrangement would be communicated through proper diplomatic channels.

"Any amendment to bilateral travel arrangements will be communicated formally through diplomatic channels and announced jointly by the two governments.”

Mr Ablakwa also cautioned that Ghana would respond in kind should the arrangement change.

"And I must place on record that, in these matters, if Ghana is taken out of the free visa arrangement, Ghana will also have no option but to immediately reciprocate. That is how these agreements work," he asserted.

"So, we urge the public to stay calm and not to fall for this misinformation and disinformation in wide circulation," he concluded.