The government has announced plans to evacuate the first batch of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa on May 21, 2026, following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that the evacuation exercise approved by President John Dramani Mahama will be fully funded by the state as part of efforts to protect affected citizens.
The evacuation he indicated will take place through the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, with the first group scheduled to depart South Africa at 5:00 am on May 21.
According to him, the decision follows the government’s approval on May 12 for the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians who have been affected by the violence, as part of a broader response to safeguard Ghanaian nationals abroad.
He explained that many of the affected citizens had earlier responded to an advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for possible assistance and evacuation support.
The move comes amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals and businesses owned by African migrants, including Ghanaians, have repeatedly come under attack in sporadic outbreaks of violence.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has assured that the welfare and safety of all Ghanaians remain a top priority, stressing that the government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further steps where necessary to protect its citizens.