Xenophobic tensions: Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa dies upon arrival at Accra

A Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa has died shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport as part of the government’s ongoing evacuation exercise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the deceased was among 50 Ghanaians who arrived in Accra aboard an Air Tanzania flight from South Africa on Friday, August 14.

According to the Ministry, the deceased’s health condition deteriorated about 30 minutes before the flight touched down in Accra and was attended to by a medical emergency team upon arrival.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces with deep sadness the death of one of the Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa upon arrival in Ghana at the Emergency Medical Reception at the Accra International Airport at 6:55pm,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry said doctors made every effort to save the passenger but he was pronounced dead at 6:55pm. He had arrived alongside the 49 others at about 5:50pm.

It said the remains have been deposited at the Police Hospital for autopsy as arrangements are made to formally inform the deceased’s family.

“The Ministry will provide an update on this sad development after formal engagement with the bereaved family,” it added.

The evacuation forms part of the government’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa amid xenophobic tensions in the country.