Gov’t Delays South Africa Evacuation as Number of Ghanaians Seeking Rescue Surges Past 800

The Government of Ghana has postponed the planned evacuation of its nationals from South Africa after a sharp rise in the number of citizens requesting to return home amid renewed xenophobic attacks.

The evacuation, initially scheduled for May 21, 2026, was pushed back to allow Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to complete legal and administrative processes required by South African authorities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the delay was necessary to ensure proper passenger screening, inter‑agency coordination, and the acquisition of flight permits before the operation could begin.

The postponement follows weeks of diplomatic engagement triggered by attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. Earlier media reports had suggested that only one Ghanaian had presented themselves for evacuation, but the situation changed rapidly.

On May 6, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned the African Union Commission to place the issue of xenophobic attacks on the agenda for the AU’s Eighth Mid‑Year Coordination Meeting in June. He expressed concern over recurring violence that has resulted in deaths, property destruction, and widespread fear among African migrants.

President John Dramani Mahama subsequently approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaian nationals on May 13, 2026. Those affected had already registered with the High Commission in Pretoria following an advisory from the Ministry.

Initial plans were for the first batch to depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport at dawn on May 21, with the Government covering the full cost. A day before the scheduled flight, the Ministry announced a support package for returnees, including financial assistance, transport to various destinations, reintegration allowances, psychosocial support, and placement on an employment and business opportunities database.

However, by the evacuation date, registrations had surged to more than 800—far exceeding the initial target and requiring additional arrangements.

Ghanaian and South African authorities have since agreed on revised pre‑evacuation procedures, with senior officials from both countries supervising the process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured citizens still in South Africa that efforts to bring them home safely are ongoing. “We value and cherish all our citizens,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, foreign nationals in South Africa reportedly face pressure from vigilante groups demanding that non‑nationals leave the country by June 30, 2026. The South African Police Service says it is working to arrest those behind the attacks, stressing that the violence does not reflect the official position of the government.

— Graphic Online