In a coordinated effort to shield its nationals from growing xenophobic tensions, Ghana has commenced the first mass repatriation of its citizens from South Africa.
According to officials, 800 Ghanaian residents—men, women, and children—were flown home from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport early Wednesday morning. Embassypersons and airport staff confirmed that every passenger was pre‑registered, allowing the Ghanaian High Commission to conduct a systematic screening before departure.
The evacuation unfolds amid a surge of demonstrations across cities such as Durban and Johannesburg, led by the citizen‑driven group *March & March*. Protesters blame illegal immigration for overwhelming public services and argue for tighter migration controls. The organisation has set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave the country, a measure that some fear could ignite violence.
Rudolph Nkorasuo, a Ghanaian salon owner who has lived in South Africa for ten years, told reporters that he was part of the 800 travelers: “We can’t stay here any longer. The protests have made life unsafe for us, so we’re returning to our country for peace and security.”
Ghana’s High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, emphasized the government’s duty to protect its citizens abroad: “Our role is to ensure that every Ghanaian, whether at home or overseas, is safe. We are committed to facilitating the reintegration of those who return.” He also stressed that Ghana would support returnees in re‑establishing their enterprises back home.
South Africa has publicly denounced the violence and issued statements against “fake videos” alleging xenophobic attacks. Despite that, security concerns persist, with a record of 12 deaths in 2019 and 62 in 2008 among foreign nationals.
Analysts link the current unrest to upcoming local elections in November. Others argue that the protests are largely peaceful and aim to pressure the South African government to tighten immigration policies.
As the repatriation continues, Ghana anticipates further departures in the coming days. The embassy has clarified that an initial 300 travelers departed on Wednesday, with additional groups scheduled to leave after completing necessary checks.
With an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians in South Africa, the repatriation initiative marks a decisive step by the Ghanaian government to safeguard its diaspora in a volatile environment.
According to officials, 800 Ghanaian residents—men, women, and children—were flown home from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport early Wednesday morning. Embassypersons and airport staff confirmed that every passenger was pre‑registered, allowing the Ghanaian High Commission to conduct a systematic screening before departure.
The evacuation unfolds amid a surge of demonstrations across cities such as Durban and Johannesburg, led by the citizen‑driven group *March & March*. Protesters blame illegal immigration for overwhelming public services and argue for tighter migration controls. The organisation has set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave the country, a measure that some fear could ignite violence.
Rudolph Nkorasuo, a Ghanaian salon owner who has lived in South Africa for ten years, told reporters that he was part of the 800 travelers: “We can’t stay here any longer. The protests have made life unsafe for us, so we’re returning to our country for peace and security.”
Ghana’s High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, emphasized the government’s duty to protect its citizens abroad: “Our role is to ensure that every Ghanaian, whether at home or overseas, is safe. We are committed to facilitating the reintegration of those who return.” He also stressed that Ghana would support returnees in re‑establishing their enterprises back home.
South Africa has publicly denounced the violence and issued statements against “fake videos” alleging xenophobic attacks. Despite that, security concerns persist, with a record of 12 deaths in 2019 and 62 in 2008 among foreign nationals.
Analysts link the current unrest to upcoming local elections in November. Others argue that the protests are largely peaceful and aim to pressure the South African government to tighten immigration policies.
As the repatriation continues, Ghana anticipates further departures in the coming days. The embassy has clarified that an initial 300 travelers departed on Wednesday, with additional groups scheduled to leave after completing necessary checks.
With an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians in South Africa, the repatriation initiative marks a decisive step by the Ghanaian government to safeguard its diaspora in a volatile environment.
