Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has called on the Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to appear before Parliament to explain the postponement of government’s planned evacuation of Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The call follows government’s announcement that the evacuation exercise, which was expected to commence on Thursday, May 21, had been temporarily delayed.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on May 21, authorities explained that the postponement was necessary to allow officials to complete outstanding legal and logistical arrangements connected to the repatriation exercise.

Speaking during the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Abu Jinapor said lawmakers deserve a direct update from the Foreign Affairs Minister regarding the situation.

According to him, government had earlier informed Parliament that nearly 300 Ghanaians affected by the attacks were expected to be evacuated back to Ghana.