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

Ghana has postponed the emergency evacuation of more than 800 of its citizens from South Africa, a decision that comes amid a fresh wave of xenophobic violence sweeping through communities in Africa's most industrialized economy.

<cite index="45-2,45-3,45-4">The government deferred its scheduled evacuation following a surge in xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals across several communities, with Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirming the delay.</cite> <cite index="45-5,45-11">The postponement stems from complex legal and logistical hurdles rather than a lack of political will.</cite>

Why the delay matters

<cite index="45-15,45-16">The ministry clarified that the brief postponement stems from mandatory passenger screening processes, flight clearance requirements, and extensive coordination between authorities in both Ghana and South Africa. Moving hundreds of individuals across borders requires meticulous synchronization between civil aviation authorities and immigration bureaus.</cite>

<cite index="49-2,49-3">Foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the citizens had registered for assistance with the Ghana High Commission.</cite> <cite index="48-2,48-3">The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a comprehensive support package for Ghanaian citizens being evacuated from South Africa, with affected citizens returning home to receive several forms of assistance aimed at easing their reintegration into society and helping them recover from the trauma associated with the attacks.</cite>

<cite index="48-5">The government listed a "Welcome Home Financial Package" as part of the immediate relief measures for the evacuees.</cite>

A continental crisis

The violence has triggered a broader diplomatic confrontation across Africa. <cite index="45-29,45-30">Ghana has officially petitioned the African Union to formally review the escalating violence, describing the recurrent hostility as a severe risk to continental stability and regional integration. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also summoned South Africa's acting envoy in Accra to lodge a formal protest following the viral spread of verified videos showing targeted harassment.</cite>

<cite index="33-15,33-16,33-17">Nigeria has become the latest regional power to confront South Africa over persistent xenophobic violence, joining Ghana in a high-level diplomatic push to protect West African nationals. The federal government has officially summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner to address a surge in targeted attacks against Nigerian citizens and their businesses. This move follows a series of violent incidents and anti-immigrant demonstrations that have gripped South Africa in recent weeks.</cite>

Recent reports indicate that at least two Nigerians have been killed during this latest wave of unrest, along with multiple other fatalities from across the continent.

“"It is evident that the persistence of xenophobic violence undermines the spirit of African unity and cooperation that the African Union seeks to promote."”

<cite index="47-3,47-4">The Government of Ghana has officially petitioned the African Union over renewed concerns regarding xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, urging urgent continental intervention to address the situation. The petition is expected to be considered at the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU, scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.</cite>

Why this keeps happening

<cite index="45-17,45-18,45-19">This current crisis is part of a long-standing historical pattern. Over the years, South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often fuelled by frustrations over unemployment, crime and economic hardship. Ghanaian traders, students and professionals living in the country have occasionally been affected by such incidents.</cite>

<cite index="33-28,33-29,33-30">South Africa remains the most industrialized economy on the continent, acting as a magnet for those seeking economic opportunity. Currently, the nation hosts approximately 2.4 million migrants, representing nearly 4% of the population. However, many South Africans accuse foreign nationals of entering the country illegally and competing for scarce jobs.</cite>

<cite index="49-4,49-5">Some South Africans are protesting against illegal immigration from other sub-Saharan African countries. South African authorities have said illegal immigration is a problem while condemning the violence and vowing in April to crack down on xenophobic attacks.</cite>

What comes next

<cite index="45-24,45-25,45-26">Senior officials from Accra and Pretoria remain in constant communication to prevent an escalation of bilateral tension. Security ministries from both nations are co-managing the transit corridors to protect the assembly points. The Ministry further disclosed that senior government officials from both countries remained actively engaged in discussions and operational arrangements aimed at ensuring the safe return of affected Ghanaian nationals.</cite>

<cite index="50-13">Other African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have warned their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution and stay indoors amid attacks targeting foreigners.</cite> The AU meeting in Egypt at the end of June will be the first major multilateral forum where African leaders will debate concrete measures to prevent future outbreaks and enforce member states' human rights obligations.

Reporting drawn from GBC Ghana Online, Sahara Reporters, Arab News, GBC Ghana Online, Modern Diplomacy, Voice of Nigeria.