Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urges Ghanaians to reconsider non-essential travel, avoid protest hotspots and remain vigilant as South Africa braces for nationwide demonstrations and heightened anti-African tensions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging Ghanaian nationals travelling to or residing in the Republic of South Africa to exercise heightened caution ahead of planned nationwide protests and public demonstrations expected to take place across parts of the country.
The advisory, issued on 29th June, 2026, follows growing concerns over heightened anti-African campaigns and planned public demonstrations in South Africa, which authorities fear could escalate into incidents of intimidation, violence and attacks against foreign African nationals.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise all prospective Ghanaian travellers to the Republic of South Africa to exercise caution in their travel plans due to the ongoing heightened anti-African campaigns and planned public demonstrations in several parts of that country.”
Foreign Affairs Ministry
According to the Ministry, the planned nationwide protests and shutdown scheduled for 30th June, 2026, together with what it described as an unofficial departure deadline directed at foreign African nationals by certain activist groups, have raised concerns about the safety of migrants and visitors.
“The planned nationwide protests and shutdown called for on 30th June, 2026 as well as the unofficial departure deadline directed at foreign African nationals by certain activist groups could lead to further incidents of intimidation, violence and attacks against foreign African nationals.”
Foreign Affairs Ministry
Despite the security concerns, the Ministry acknowledged assurances from the South African government regarding the country’s legal position and preparedness to maintain law and order.
“The Government of Ghana has taken note of the Government of South Africa’s public statement that the deadline has no legal backing and that law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain public order”
Foreign Affairs Ministry
Nevertheless, Ghanaian authorities emphasised that citizens should not lower their guard until the security situation fully stabilises.
Comprehensive Safety Measures for Travellers
The Ministry consequently advised all Ghanaian nationals travelling to or within South Africa to exercise a high degree of caution until the situation returns to normal.
As part of the advisory, prospective travellers have been encouraged to reconsider all non-essential travel to areas where demonstrations or public gatherings are expected.
They have also been urged to closely monitor local news reports and official announcements issued by the High Commission of Ghana in South Africa to remain updated on developments.
The Ministry further advised Ghanaians to avoid all protests, marches, road blockades and large public gatherings regardless of their stated purpose, while remaining vigilant in public places including transport hubs, shopping centres, taxi ranks and entertainment districts.
Advice for Ghanaians Already Living in South Africa
Travellers have additionally been encouraged to keep travel documents readily accessible and ensure passports, visas and permits remain valid throughout their stay.
To minimise potential risks, the advisory recommends carrying copies of identification documents separately from original documents, avoiding travelling after dark unless absolutely necessary, and informing family members or trusted contacts about travel plans while maintaining regular communication.
For Ghanaian nationals already living in South Africa, the Ministry outlined additional precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding their welfare during the period of heightened tension.
The advisory encourages residents to limit unnecessary movements, stay away from identified protest routes and areas experiencing unrest, and keep emergency supplies, essential medications and communication devices readily available.
It also urges Ghanaians to ensure family members know how to contact one another in the event of emergencies.
The Ministry further instructed citizens to immediately report any threats, intimidation or attacks to the South African Police Service (SAPS) while also notifying the Ghana High Commission.
“Report any threats, intimidation, or attacks immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and notify the Ghana High Commission.”
Foreign Affair Ministry
Ghanaian nationals requiring emergency consular assistance have been encouraged to contact the High Commission of Ghana in Pretoria through its official emergency telephone numbers and email address.
The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaians living and travelling abroad, assuring citizens that their welfare remains a national priority.
“The Government of Ghana reiterates its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Ghanaian citizens abroad and urges all nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious at all times.”
Foreign Affair Ministry
The advisory comes against the backdrop of recurring tensions surrounding immigration and xenophobic sentiments in parts of South Africa over the years. Although the South African government has consistently condemned attacks targeting foreign nationals and maintained that everyone within its borders is protected under the law, periodic demonstrations linked to unemployment, crime and immigration have occasionally heightened fears among migrant communities.
Balancing Caution With Diplomatic Confidence
For Ghana, the advisory reflects a precautionary diplomatic approach rather than an indication that travel to South Africa has been suspended. Instead, it underscores the importance of risk awareness, preparedness and close coordination with diplomatic missions during periods of uncertainty.
Travel advisories have increasingly become an essential tool for governments seeking to protect their citizens overseas.
Rather than discouraging international travel altogether, such advisories provide timely information that enables travellers to make informed decisions based on prevailing security conditions.
In this instance, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has balanced reassurance with caution by recognising South Africa’s commitment to maintaining public order while simultaneously urging citizens to adopt practical personal safety measures.
With demonstrations expected to attract significant public attention, authorities believe vigilance, situational awareness and adherence to official guidance will be critical in reducing exposure to potential security risks.
The Ministry has therefore encouraged all Ghanaian nationals to continue monitoring official updates from both South African authorities and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria until normalcy is fully restored.
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