All is set for the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa to begin as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the first batch of Ghanaians will depart in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the government promising a structured and dignified reception upon their return home.
Speaking at a meeting with some anxious Ghanaians at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, the minister said Ghana’s government has finally reached an agreement with South African authorities about the exercise.
“Fortunately, we have concluded with the South African authorities that our aircraft can come in by midnight on the 25th, so that by 5am, you set off because we don’t want you to reach Ghana at night. We want to have time to take you through the process and give the necessary assistance,” he assured.
He added that if all goes as planned, returnees should be touching down on Ghanaian soil by mid-afternoon. “We anticipate that by 3pm you’ll be in Ghana.”
The timing is to ensure that returnees are processed and supported in daylight, with sufficient time for officials to administer the full welcome package — including financial assistance, transport to home regions, and psychosocial support — before nightfall.
The minister also revealed that prominent Ghanaian industrialist, Ibrahim Mahama, has already pledged 100 job opportunities for returnees — a gesture the minister described as “a good challenge” to other business leaders.
“Ibrahim Mahama has just informed us that he has a hundred jobs for some of you, which is a good challenge. We’ll speak to other CEOs to see how they can also help, so that the young ones who are still able to work do not idle at home.”
The minister’s appearance at the Pretoria meeting came after weeks of growing pressure from the Ghanaian community in South Africa, with viral videos showing distressed citizens pleading for evacuation and describing deteriorating safety conditions. More than 800 Ghanaians had registered with the High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance to return home, with logistical and legal hurdles delaying earlier planned departure dates.
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