Only one Ghanaian reports for South Africa evacuation flight amid xenophobia fears

Ghana says no citizen seeking repatriation from South Africa will be left behind after a planned evacuation flight was delayed amid logistical concerns and fears over possible xenophobic attacks.

ACCRA, Ghana —
Ghana’s government has delayed a planned evacuation flight from South Africa after only one registered evacuee reportedly appeared at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport ahead of the scheduled departure.

The evacuation exercise had been organised following concerns among some Ghanaian nationals over possible xenophobic attacks targeting foreign migrants in parts of South Africa. Ghanaian authorities had earlier announced plans to repatriate hundreds of citizens who had registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said no Ghanaian requesting repatriation would be excluded from the process despite the delay. In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Ablakwa said the proposed evacuation had been temporarily deferred following consultations with South African authorities over “legal, technical and logistical issues” connected to the operation.

Ghana clarifies South Africa evacuation process

Earlier government communications had indicated that a chartered flight would depart Johannesburg carrying approximately 300 Ghanaians seeking repatriation assistance. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also announced a support package for returnees, including transportation assistance, reintegration allowances, psychological counselling and access to employment and business support programmes upon arrival in Ghana.

However, subsequent reports indicated that only one individual arrived at the airport ahead of the planned departure despite earlier registration figures. Mr Ablakwa later said more than 800 Ghanaians had now registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation support, suggesting the process may require additional coordination before departures can proceed.

“Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the minister said.

Xenophobia concerns remain sensitive issue in South Africa

South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence for more than a decade, particularly during periods of economic pressure, unemployment and social tension. Migrants from other African countries, including Ghanaians, Nigerians and Zimbabweans, have previously reported attacks on businesses, intimidation and threats during earlier waves of anti-foreigner violence.

Although South African authorities have not announced any nationwide emergency measures linked to the latest concerns, fears among some foreign nationals have continued to circulate online and within migrant communities. Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, said officials remained in contact with South African security agencies and municipal authorities to monitor developments and support Ghanaian nationals where necessary. Analysts say evacuation exercises involving foreign nationals often require extensive diplomatic coordination, immigration clearance procedures and passenger verification measures before flights can proceed.

Questions raised over low turnout for evacuation flight

The low turnout reported ahead of the planned departure has generated discussion online over whether uncertainty around documentation, employment concerns or communication gaps may have affected participation in the evacuation exercise. Some observers noted that many Ghanaian migrants living and working in South Africa may be reluctant to leave permanently despite fears over security and economic uncertainty.

Migration researcher Dr Ama Mensah said repatriation exercises involving diaspora communities are often more complex than initial registration figures suggest. “People may register for evacuation support as a precaution, but deciding to leave employment, housing and established lives abroad is a very different step,” she said. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said additional measures could be introduced depending on developments in South Africa and the number of Ghanaians requiring assistance. Mr Ablakwa said Ghanaian authorities remained committed to supporting citizens seeking repatriation and would continue working with South African authorities to coordinate the process. “The welfare and safety of all Ghanaians is a non-negotiable priority,” he said.