Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that an additional 600 Ghanaian nationals have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa to be evacuated back home as concerns persist over anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic violence in parts of the country.
The announcement comes just days after Ghana successfully repatriated its first batch of citizens under a government coordinated evacuation programme launched in response to the deteriorating security situation facing some foreign nationals in South Africa.
“600 more Ghanaians register at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa,” the Minister stated. Reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the welfare of Ghanaians remains a top priority.
“When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the Government of Ghana does not compromise or dither. I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians. See you soon. There’s no place like home. For God and Country,” he added.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
First Batch Successfully Repatriated
The latest registrations follow the successful evacuation of approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa on 27 May 2026. The government chartered flight transporting the returnees landed safely at Accra International Airport, where senior government officials, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, received the passengers.
According to official figures, the first group comprised 141 men, 97 women, and 62 children. Authorities also indicated that 26 individuals among the returnees had been classified as immigration offenders.
Upon arrival, the evacuees received immediate support from government agencies. Assistance included medical care, psychological counselling, transport support, and cash relief packages provided through the National Disaster Management Organisation.
Government officials said the support measures were designed to ease the reintegration process and provide relief to those returning under difficult circumstances.
Registrations Continue to Increase
Before the latest announcement, more than 800 Ghanaian nationals had already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance to return home.
The addition of 600 new registrants indicates a significant rise in the number of citizens requesting evacuation as uncertainty continues in affected communities.
Officials say screening and verification processes are underway for those seeking repatriation, with preparations being made for subsequent evacuation flights.
Government sources indicate that additional flights are expected to commence from 31 May 2026 as authorities work to facilitate the safe return of all registered citizens who wish to leave South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained close engagement with Ghanaian communities across South Africa while coordinating efforts with local authorities and diplomatic missions.
Unrest Triggers Government Response
The evacuation exercise was authorized by President John Dramani Mahama following escalating anti immigrant demonstrations and reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The unrest has been linked to activities by vigilante groups including Operation Dudula and March and March, which have reportedly called for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by 30 June 2026.
The demonstrations have heightened anxiety among migrant communities, many of whom depend on small businesses and informal economic activities for their livelihoods.
Several Ghanaian nationals have reported experiencing threats, intimidation, physical attacks, and disruptions to their businesses amid the tensions. The situation has prompted growing concern among governments across the continent, particularly those with large numbers of citizens residing in South Africa.
Analysts say the unrest is occurring against the backdrop of South Africa’s prolonged economic difficulties, including an unemployment rate that remains above 30 percent.
Foreign nationals have increasingly become targets of public frustration as some groups blame migrants for competition over jobs, housing, and public services.
While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence and described the incidents as isolated criminal acts, many migrants say they continue to feel vulnerable.
Some affected Ghanaians have reportedly been forced to suspend business activities and seek refuge while awaiting assistance from Ghanaian authorities.
Diplomatic Engagement Continues
Despite the evacuation programme, Ghanaian officials have emphasized that relations between Ghana and South Africa remain cordial.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie has maintained that bilateral ties between the two countries remain intact even as both governments engage on issues affecting foreign nationals.
However, discussions have emerged following suggestions by some South African authorities that many of those being repatriated were undocumented migrants. Ghanaian officials have challenged such assertions and continue diplomatic engagements on the matter.
The Government of Ghana has also petitioned the African Union to consider the safety and welfare of foreign nationals in South Africa as a matter requiring urgent attention.
Observers note that other African countries, including Nigeria, are expected to undertake similar evacuation exercises for their citizens in the coming days.
Commitment to Citizen Protection
The latest increase in registrations underscores the growing concern among Ghanaians living in South Africa and highlights the scale of the evacuation effort currently underway.
Government officials say they remain committed to ensuring that all citizens who wish to return home are given the necessary support and protection.
As preparations continue for the next phase of the operation, authorities have reiterated that safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and security of Ghanaians abroad remains a central priority.
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