A group of Ghanaians who had to leave South Africa due to recent xenophobic violence returned home on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. This was part of a major effort by the Ghanaian government to protect its citizens amid rising tensions abroad.
When the evacuees landed in Accra, they were warmly welcomed by a government team that included the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Chief of Staff.
The Ghanaian diplomatic team in South Africa worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange the evacuation after reports of increased fear among migrants due to intimidation, protests, and hostility toward foreigners. Many of those who returned were escaping escalating tensions and revealing stories of harassment, threats, and even damage to their property.
To support those affected, officials arranged for temporary help, counseling, and reintegration services for the returnees and their families as they settled back into life in Ghana.
Originally, the evacuation was set to begin on May 21, but authorities had to delay it after receiving a surge of requests for help from Ghanaians wanting to come home. Coordinating logistics, such as accommodation, necessary travel documents, transport, and flight schedules, became challenging due to this unexpected increase.
This latest wave of evacuations has once again drawn attention to the ongoing issue of xenophobic violence in South Africa. Foreign nationals often find themselves targeted during turbulent periods of economic struggles and social unrest.
Over the years, migrants from various African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Malawi, have faced violent outbreaks fueled by resentment surrounding crime, joblessness, and competition for opportunities.
The most devastating instances of xenophobic attacks happened in South Africa back in 2008, displacing thousands and leading to many deaths. Similar incidents occurred in 2015 and 2019, sparking outrage across the continent and renewed calls for better protection for African migrants.
Even though South African authorities continue to publicly condemn such violence and promise to safeguard all residents, many migrants remain uneasy about their safety, especially in unstable times.
The arrival of the evacuees emphasizes growing concerns for the safety and well-being of Ghanaians living abroad, particularly in areas rife with social unrest and hostility toward foreigners. Government officials report that they are closely monitoring the situation in South Africa and are prepared to assist additional evacuations if necessary.
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