Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has announced that the final phase of the government’s evacuation exercise for Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks will begin on July 25, 2026, with close to 900 citizens expected to return home.
The evacuation is intended for Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to leave South Africa following the attacks, which raised concerns about the safety and security of foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The exercise forms part of a broader government intervention aimed at assisting citizens who requested repatriation.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa on Tuesday, July 14, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said preparations had been completed for what he described as the final stage of the repatriation programme.
“We are going to do the final repatriation of close to 900 Ghanaians who have voluntarily given their names here in South Africa that they want to go,” Mr Quashie stated.
He disclosed that the government had already successfully repatriated 926 Ghanaians during earlier phases of the exercise.
The remaining registered beneficiaries will be flown back to Ghana beginning July 25, with flights scheduled to depart daily until everyone has been evacuated.
According to the High Commissioner, the evacuation has been made possible through the support of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following growing concerns about the welfare of Ghanaians caught up in the recent wave of xenophobic violence.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, with migrants from several African countries often becoming targets of attacks, looting and intimidation.
These incidents have prompted concerns among African governments and regional bodies, leading to calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals.
