General News of Saturday, 20 March 2004

Source: GNA

Malians evacuated by Ghana

Malabo, March 20, GNA - About 175 Malian nationals' residents in Malabo, the Island capital of Equatorial Guinea were also evacuated by the Ghana Navy Vessel anchored of the port of Malabo.

The request for their evacuation was communicated to the consul General of the Ghana consulate in Equatorial Guinea, Mr Dominic Aboagye from Ghana's foreign affairs ministry in Accra.

Yesterday, the Malians could not be evacuated from the Island along with the Ghanaians because the captain of the leading naval ship, GNS ANZONE Captain Godson Zowonoo did not receive the order to evacuate other nationals when he set sail from Ghana.

However, the issue was settled when the Consul General communicated with authorities in Accra, hence the Malian being evacuated. Meanwhile, both Naval Vessels were to set sail this morning after formalities have been carried

It is expected that both vessels would arrive in Accra on Monday, March 22.

All Ghanaians evacuated by the Navy appear to be in good health except for headaches and nausea associated with sea travel.

In all, 428 Ghanaians, including 2 Beninoirs, 2 Ivorians, one Nigerian, 2 Burkinabes and one Togolese would be on board both vessels.