The first batch of 300 Ghanaians is expected to be evacuated 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, who made this announcement, 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.
According to the Minister, the evacuation will take place through O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, with the first group scheduled to depart at 5:00 am on May 21.
He explained that the decision follows government approval granted on May 12 for the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians affected by the violence as part of broader efforts to safeguard Ghanaian nationals abroad.
Mr. Ablakwa indicated that many of the affected citizens had responded to an advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subsequently 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 during sporadic outbreaks of violence.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has assured that the welfare and safety of all Ghanaians remain a top priority, stressing that government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further steps where necessary to protect its citizens.
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