In a travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Ghana has urged its citizens to avoid non essential travel to South Africa following a rise in xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in the country.
The advisory, released on June 1, said the government has observed increasing attacks by groups described as anti immigrant vigilantes. According to the ministry, the incidents have resulted in injuries, the closure and takeover of businesses, looting, and the destruction of property belonging to African nationals.
Government indicated that the situation has prompted immediate diplomatic action aimed at protecting Ghanaians and other African citizens who may be affected by the violence. Authorities stressed that the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals is a priority amid the growing tensions.
The statement revealed that the Mahama administration has already undertaken several measures in response to the developments. These include lodging formal protests at the highest diplomatic levels, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and facilitating the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from affected areas.
The ministry advised Ghanaian citizens who still intend to travel to South Africa to exercise extreme caution and carefully assess the security risks before making travel arrangements. It emphasized that the advisory would remain in effect until further notice.
For Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa, the government encouraged them to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission to access consular support and receive updates on safety measures.
Officials noted that the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide additional guidance as developments unfold.
Ghana Presses South Africa To Protect African Nationals
The Government of Ghana called on South African authorities to strengthen security measures for African nationals following reports of escalating xenophobic attacks against migrants and foreign owned businesses.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana expressed concern over attacks allegedly carried out by groups identifying themselves as anti immigrant vigilantes. The government said the incidents have led to injuries, looting, property destruction, and disruptions to businesses owned by African nationals.
The statement accentuated Ghana’s expectation that South Africa will take decisive action to restore law and order and safeguard all persons living within its borders. Officials argued that ensuring the security of vulnerable communities is essential to preserving the principles of African unity and cooperation.
Ghana further urged South African authorities to provide adequate protection for targeted groups and uphold the ideals of Pan Africanism that have long guided relations among African states. The government maintained that attacks directed at fellow Africans undermine efforts to deepen continental integration.
As part of its response, Ghana said it has engaged South African authorities through diplomatic channels while also drawing the attention of the African Union to the situation. The government believes continued dialogue and coordinated action are necessary to address the root causes of the unrest and prevent further violence.
The ministry also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals who wish to return home. Authorities said collaboration with relevant South African institutions remains active to ensure the safe movement of affected citizens.
Government officials stressed that the welfare of Ghanaians abroad is a key national priority and pledged to continue providing support to those impacted by the disturbances. The statement noted that diplomatic engagements would continue as Ghana seeks lasting solutions to the crisis.
Current state Of Ghanaians In South Africa
Five days before the latest travel advisory, the Ghanaian government began evacuating its citizens from South Africa amid fears that anti immigration protests could escalate into widespread xenophobic violence. The first chartered flight from Johannesburg arrived in Accra carrying 297 Ghanaian nationals, with government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, receiving the returnees at the airport.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa said about 800 Ghanaians registered for repatriation, with additional flights expected. Some returnees cited concerns for their safety following protests against illegal immigration that have spread across several provinces.
South African demonstrators have argued that undocumented migrants are placing pressure on public services, while Ghanaian authorities have continued efforts to assist citizens seeking to return home.
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