Ghana Delays Evacuation of 800 Citizens from South Africa After Xenophobic Violence
Ghana has postponed the planned evacuation of more than 800 citizens from South Africa initially scheduled for May 21, citing logistical challenges and South African legal requirements. The evacuation follows renewed xen
More than 800 Ghanaians registered with their country's High Commission in Pretoria will have to wait a few more days to be evacuated from South Africa after the Ghanaian government postponed a mass repatriation originally scheduled for May 21.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra announced the delay on Thursday, citing the unexpectedly large number of evacuees and South African legal procedures including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and flight permits. Only one person—Sylvester Boakye, who had missed an updated notice—appeared at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.
The trigger: viral assault video
The evacuation plan was announced earlier this month after footage showing the assault of Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian living in South Africa, circulated widely across African social media. The video became a flashpoint during the latest wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals—including Ghanaians, Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, and Somalis—in parts of South Africa.
Asamoah was safely repatriated to Ghana on May 5, accompanied by Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie. Businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, donated GH₵200,000 (approximately $13,000) to support him.
The initial evacuation plan covered 300 distressed Ghanaians, but registrations more than doubled after the government announced a reintegration package including financial assistance, transportation support, counseling, and access to employment opportunities. Some Ghanaian sources in South Africa told local media that news of financial aid motivated additional registrations, though officials are verifying documentation amid reports of errors in registration forms.
Ghana escalates to the AU
On May 6, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa formally wrote to the African Union Commission requesting that xenophobic attacks in South Africa be placed on the agenda of the AU's Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, scheduled for June 24–27 in El Alamein, Egypt.
In the letter, Ablakwa described the violence as an "urgent matter of continental interest" and invoked the legacy of Ghana's founding president: "Africa's emancipation begins with a collective resolution to ensure that no African is dehumanized on African soil."
Ghana argues that recurring attacks threaten African integration and free movement ambitions under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country has increasingly positioned itself as a vocal critic of xenophobia on the continent, particularly attacks targeting fellow Africans.
The South African context
Recent protests in South Africa have seen citizens demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants, with some demonstrations escalating into violence and unlawful acts of intimidation. Members of certain protest groups have been stopping individuals on the street to demand identification documents.
Ghana summoned South Africa's acting high commissioner to express its concerns. South African officials have expressed regret over the incidents and assured continued cooperation, according to High Commissioner Quashie.
What happens next
Both governments say senior officials are actively engaged to finalize evacuation arrangements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured affected nationals that no Ghanaian wishing to return would be left behind and commended them for their patience.
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed on Thursday that Sylvester Boakye, the lone traveler who appeared at the airport, would be included in the broader evacuation. He dismissed reports that Boakye had already been flown back separately.
The reintegration package announced by President Mahama's administration includes entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities, alongside financial and psychosocial support. The Ministry urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and stay in contact with the High Commission in Pretoria.
The AU summit in late June will be the first continental-level forum to formally debate Ghana's petition on xenophobic violence since this latest wave of attacks began.
Reporting drawn from Ghana Business News, Citizen Digital (AFP), Ghanamma.com, West African Voice Network, allAfrica / Ghanaian Times, Times Live (South Africa).
