The Government of Ghana has officially welcomed the first batch of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following rising anti immigrant tensions and security concerns in parts of the country.
Approximately 300 evacuees arrived safely at the Accra International Airport on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, aboard a government-chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The evacuation exercise forms part of an emergency intervention initiated by the government after escalating xenophobic protests targeting migrants from sub-Saharan African countries.
A high level government delegation led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was present at the airport to receive the returnees.
Also present were Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The arrival of the evacuees was met with scenes of relief and emotion as families and officials welcomed the returnees back home after days of uncertainty surrounding their safety in South Africa.
Ablakwa Assures Citizens of Government Protection
Addressing the returnees during a welcoming ceremony at the airport, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the evacuation demonstrated the Mahama administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and dignity of Ghanaians abroad.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the government would continue to ensure that citizens facing danger or distress outside the country receive the necessary support and protection.
“Today, the Mahama administration is demonstrating that wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected, your dignity is respected, and we will go to the length of this world to bring you back home safely”.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa expressed appreciation to all institutions and officials involved in the evacuation operation, particularly Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Ministry of Gender, and Ghana’s international partners who supported the exercise.
He also praised Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. James Gyakye Quayson and staff of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for their contribution to the operation.
Reintegration and Welfare Support Announced
The government announced a comprehensive reintegration package aimed at helping the returnees settle back into normal life after their arrival in Ghana.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the support package includes psychosocial care, medical attention, transportation support, and financial assistance to help the evacuees rebuild their lives.
He further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had directed that all evacuees receive two forms of financial assistance as part of the reintegration effort.
“One for transportation. So there will be a transportation allowance to wherever you live, wherever your homes are, whoever you are going to connect to. And then there will be a reintegration allowance, a special package to help you put your lives back on track”.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation distributed emergency relief packages containing food items and other essential supplies shortly after the evacuees arrived.
Background to the Evacuation Exercise
The evacuation operation was authorised after reports of growing anti-immigrant protests and attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa raised concerns among Ghanaian authorities.
The Ghanaian government had earlier summoned South Africa’s envoy to protest what it described as targeted harassment and threats against Ghanaian citizens living in the country.
Although South African authorities reportedly described some of the incidents as isolated criminal acts linked to frustrations over unemployment, concerns over the security situation prompted several African countries to issue safety advisories.
The situation also led Ghana to activate a state funded repatriation process to assist nationals willing to return home. Originally, the evacuation flight was scheduled for May 21, 2026, but operational delays occurred after the number of registered citizens increased significantly from about 300 to more than 800.
This required additional logistical arrangements by Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria.
More Evacuation Flights Expected
Government officials say the repatriation exercise remains ongoing as authorities continue to process and screen additional Ghanaian nationals seeking evacuation from South Africa.
A second batch of evacuees is expected to arrive in Ghana on Friday, May 29, 2026, while more flights are expected to be arranged depending on the number of citizens who complete the registration process.
Officials say the government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all affected nationals while continuing diplomatic engagements over the situation in South Africa.
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