The Government of Ghana has announced plans to repatriate 1,000 more citizens from South Africa as renewed anti-migrant violence continues to threaten the safety of foreign nationals. The latest evacuation, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, marks the final phase of the country’s emergency repatriation programme after 926 Ghanaians were previously brought home.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the evacuation will be carried out through special flights for Ghanaians who voluntarily registered with the country’s High Commission in Pretoria. The ministry described the operation as a necessary response to the worsening security situation caused by violent protests targeting migrants in parts of South Africa.
President John Mahama has strongly criticised the attacks, accusing South African authorities of not doing enough to protect foreign nationals. He has also called on the African Union to place the growing wave of xenophobic violence high on its agenda, warning that continued attacks threaten African unity and regional cooperation.
The latest repatriation comes amid reports that more than 160,000 foreign nationals, most of them Africans, have left South Africa since May as anti-migrant protests intensified. The unrest has been driven by concerns over unemployment, crime and illegal immigration, although rights groups have repeatedly condemned attacks on migrants and urged stronger government action to protect vulnerable communities.
Ghanaian authorities have assured returning citizens of government support to help them reintegrate into society, including employment opportunities and other assistance programmes. The government reiterated that protecting the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad remains a priority while diplomatic efforts continue to address the underlying causes of the crisis.
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