The government has announced plans to evacuate an initial group of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on May 21, 2026, following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that the evacuation, sanctioned by John Dramani Mahama, will be fully funded by the state as part of measures to ensure the safety of affected citizens.
He indicated that the evacuation will be carried out via O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, with the first group expected to depart at 5:00 a.m. on May 21.
According to the Minister, the decision follows government approval on May 12 for the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians impacted by the violence, as part of a broader strategy to protect nationals abroad.
He further explained that many of those affected had earlier responded to an advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to receive assistance and possible evacuation support.
The move comes amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals and businesses owned by African migrants, including Ghanaians, have faced repeated attacks in sporadic outbreaks of violence.
The Ministry has assured that the safety and welfare of Ghanaians remain a top priority, adding that government will continue to closely monitor developments and take further action where necessary.
