The Ghanaian government, through the High Commission in South Africa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been actively coordinating voluntary repatriations following a wave of anti-foreigner demonstrations and renewed xenophobic tensions.
Nearly 938 Ghanaians have already been repatriated in earlier operations.
However, about 700 Ghanaians are reportedly still stranded in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital.
This was disclosed by Owuraku Obeng Boadi, a permanent resident in South Africa and NDC Chairman for Durban, during an interview on Nhyira FM’s “Kro Yi Mu Nsem” programme on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
He said the affected Ghanaians were part of a fourth batch awaiting government-assisted evacuation.
Mr. Boadi told host Barima Kofi Dawson-Akokoa that although xenophobia in South Africa is not new, the current situation has become extreme.
He added that members of South African anti-migrant groups are threatening to stage nationwide demonstrations every Thursday to attack foreigners.
The threats, he said, have left many Ghanaians afraid to return to their homes or workplaces.
According to him, he has received several distress calls from Ghanaians among the victims, many of whom have been forced out of their homes and are now hiding in undisclosed locations across Pretoria.
“Xenophobia in South Africa is not new. It has occurred several times, but the current situation is excessive, as even documented foreigners are being targeted.
“I have been receiving several distress calls from Ghanaian colleagues who are among 600 to 700 Ghanaian victims, and you can see that they are suffering. They have been chased out of their residences and are now hiding in undisclosed locations in Pretoria. Some of them are finding it difficult to get food to eat,” Mr. Boadi said.
While commending the Ghanaian government for its timely intervention in evacuating many citizens, Mr. Boadi urged authorities to intensify efforts to bring the remaining Ghanaians home.
“We appreciate what the government has done so far through the High Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we are appealing for another swift effort to evacuate the rest. They are suffering and need urgent help,” he added.
He also appealed to Ghanaians, particularly well-resourced individuals, to provide relief items or partner with the government to support the repatriation process.
Ahead of planned anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa said it had placed some Ghanaian nationals in safe locations as preparations intensified for repatriation.
The mission also disclosed that nearly 900 Ghanaians had registered to return home, adding that the latest exercise follows the successful repatriation of 938 nationals.
