No evacuated Ghanaian from South Africa is on wanted list Ablakwa — Foreign Affairs Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed claims that Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa are involved in criminal activities, revealing that none of those screened so far appears on the wanted list of South African authorities.

His comments come as the government continues the second phase of its voluntary repatriation programme for Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, July 27, Mr Ablakwa said all returnees had undergone security screening by South African authorities before being cleared for evacuation, with no individual identified as wanted for any criminal offence.

He said the outcome of the screening challenges allegations that Ghanaian migrants in South Africa are contributing to criminal activities.

“I would like to place on record that all the Ghanaians who have been screened by South African authorities, none of them has been a subject of interest on the wanted list of the South African authorities,” he stated.

The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that the second phase of the evacuation exercise began on Sunday, July 26, and is expected to bring home about 1,000 Ghanaians who voluntarily opted to return following the attacks.

According to him, approximately 200 evacuees had already arrived at the Accra International Airport, with another group expected to arrive on Tuesday, July 28.

Mr Ablakwa said the exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with support from relevant government institutions and international partners.

He added that Ghana remains engaged with South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the evacuation process is carried out safely, orderly and with dignity.

The minister also expressed appreciation to the South African government for its cooperation and support throughout the repatriation process.

The evacuation programme was initiated after renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa heightened security concerns among Ghanaians living there, leading many to request voluntary return.

The first phase of the exercise, conducted between May and June 2026, resulted in the return of 926 Ghanaian nationals through three chartered flights.