The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a short deferment of the planned evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa, which was initially scheduled to begin on 21 May 2026.
According to the Ministry, the decision follows the need to meet mandatory operational and legal requirements in South Africa, including passenger screening procedures, multi-agency coordination, and flight clearance processes.
The evacuation exercise was triggered by the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which has prompted more than 800 Ghanaians to register with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for assistance to return home.
Officials say the scale of the exercise, combined with regulatory requirements, necessitated additional days of preparation to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process.
The Ministry explained that Ghanaian and South African authorities are working closely to streamline pre-evacuation arrangements and improve coordination to speed up the process.
It further noted that senior officials from both countries remain engaged on the matter, with efforts ongoing to ensure the safe return of affected citizens.
The government has assured Ghanaians in South Africa of its commitment to their safety, adding that all necessary steps are being taken to facilitate their return home under secure and humane conditions.
Authorities also expressed appreciation to affected citizens for their patience and cooperation as final arrangements are concluded.
