Ghana has announced plans to evacuate 300 of its citizens from South Africa following a recent rise in anti-migrant incidents across the country.
In a statement posted on X, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the evacuation had been approved by John Dramani Mahama.
“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he wrote.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad.”
His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.
These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued…
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 12, 2026
Ghana Moves To Rescue Citizens After Xenophobic Incidents In South Africa
The decision follows weeks of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, along with reports of assaults and intimidation targeting African nationals living in the country.
Nigeria and Ghana have both expressed concern over the situation.
The South African government has, however, denied that the incidents amount to xenophobia.
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“South Africans are not xenophobic,” presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya told reporters last week.
“What you have is pockets of protest, which is permissible within our constitutional framework.”
Magwenya said Africa must address conflict, instability and cases of “misgovernment” that are driving migration across the continent.
Ghana Summons South African Envoy Over Attacks On Nationals
At the end of last month, authorities in Accra summoned South Africa‘s high commissioner to protest several incidents involving attacks on Ghanaian nationals.
South Africa remains the continent’s most industrialised economy and is home to more than three million foreign nationals, representing just over five per cent of the population.
However, unemployment stands at around 30 per cent, contributing to growing tensions involving migrant workers.
South Africa’s History Of Deadly Violence Against Foreign Nationals
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence against immigrants over the past two decades.
In 2008, 62 people were killed in the deadliest attacks on foreign nationals in the country’s recent history.
Further violent clashes were recorded in 2015, 2016 and 2019.
