Following recent xenophobic attacks on citizens of other countries in certain areas of South Africa the government has now announced plans to withdraw the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from that country on the 21st of May 2026.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama had already sanctioned the repatriation of Ghanaian nationals and has agreed to cover the cost of the repatriation exercise.
According to him the repatriates would be airlifted to Ghana from the O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg with the first batch of Ghanaians expected to leave South Africa on the 21st of May at 5.00am.
He indicated that this was in response to a decision taken by the government on the 12 th of May authorizing an immediate repatriation of all affected Ghanaian nationals, as part of a wider plan to ensure the safety of Ghanaians abroad.
He mentioned that several affected Ghanaian nationals had earlier responded positively to an earlier call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had signed up with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for possible evacuation and rescue.
The evacuations is happening at a time of increased xenophobic fervor in South Africa where foreigners as well as businesses owned by Africans from other countries like Ghanaians, have been under attack during successive and recurrent bouts of violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the safety and welfare of Ghanaians remain its utmost priority and pledged to keep a watchful eye on the situation and take further measures if necessary for the protection of Ghanaians.
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