Ghana Postpones Evacuation of 800+ Citizens from South Africa After Xenophobic Violence

Ghana's planned evacuation of hundreds of citizens fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa hit an unexpected snag on Thursday when only one person — Sylvester Boakye — appeared at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for the government-chartered flight home.

The no-show came despite official announcements that 300 Ghanaians would depart at 5 a.m. on May 21, and more than 800 had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation assistance following what the government described as a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals.

Why the evacuation stalled

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced later on Thursday that the evacuation had been postponed by "a few days" to allow authorities to complete mandatory passenger screening, flight permits, and multi-institutional coordination required by South African legal conditions.

"Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions," the Ministry stated.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa later praised Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, for locating the young Ghanaian "who missed out on our updated evacuation notice" and was the only person to report to the airport.

Ghanaian and South African authorities have since agreed to "enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process," according to the Ministry, with senior officials from both sides remaining actively engaged.

The crisis that triggered the evacuation

The evacuation effort follows weeks of rising tensions in South Africa over undocumented migration. Recent protests demanding the immediate deportation of foreign nationals have reportedly spiralled into violence and intimidation, with some protesters stopping individuals on the street to demand identification.

Ghana raised the issue with the African Union in mid-May, formally requesting that xenophobic attacks in South Africa be placed on the agenda of the AU's Mid-Year Coordination Summit. The government also summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner to Ghana to express concerns after videos circulated showing harassment and intimidation of Ghanaian nationals.

President John Dramani Mahama granted approval for the immediate evacuation on May 12, with the government pledging full funding for all flights.

What awaits evacuees

In a public notice issued May 20 titled "Evacuation from South Africa," Ghana's government outlined a comprehensive support package for returning citizens:

• A "Welcome Home Financial Package"
• Transportation assistance to destinations across Ghana
• A re-integration allowance to support resettlement
• Free psychosocial support to help cope with trauma
• Entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities

The relief measures signal Ghana's recognition of the emotional and economic toll on citizens forced to abandon livelihoods in South Africa. Many Ghanaians, along with Nigerians, Somalis, Ethiopians, and other African migrants, have faced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa over the years.

What comes next

The government has assured Ghanaians in South Africa that every effort is being made to guarantee their safety and return home. "We commend them for their remarkable understanding and patience," the Ministry said, pledging to keep the public informed "in a transparent and timely manner."

A revised flight schedule is expected once South African aviation authorities grant final clearances. While the initial plan targeted 300 people on the first flight, the Ministry has confirmed that all 800-plus registered evacuees will eventually be brought home in batches.

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has reaffirmed his government's "commitment to protect the rights of nationals, residents and visitors in line with the rule of law," and said migration must be managed "through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility."

For Ghana's diaspora, the episode underscores both the fragility of life abroad and the importance of government responsiveness when citizens face danger — even when the logistics prove more complicated than anticipated.

Reporting drawn from GBC Ghana Online, Times Live South Africa, Sahara Reporters, Graphic Online Ghana.