Ghanaian nationals gathered at OR Tambo airport before repatriation flight from South Africa. — Hundreds of Ghanaians registered for voluntary repatriation from South Africa following anti-migrant protests and security concerns.

First group of Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa after migrant protests

The first group of Ghanaian nationals registered for voluntary repatriation has departed South Africa after weeks of anti-migrant protests heightened fears of renewed xenophobic violence and insecurity.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa —
The first group of Ghanaian nationals registered for voluntary repatriation has departed South Africa after anti-migrant protests triggered fears of renewed xenophobic violence, Ghanaian officials said on Wednesday.

First group of Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa after migrant protests.

More than 800 Ghanaians have registered for the repatriation programme, with an initial group of about 300 departing Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport early Wednesday. The evacuation follows demonstrations in several South African cities over undocumented migration and pressure on public services. Protest organisers said they were campaigning against illegal immigration and denied encouraging violence against foreign nationals. Images from OR Tambo airport showed passengers arriving on buses chartered by the Ghanaian embassy before boarding repatriation flights.

Ghana says programme is voluntary

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the operation was intended to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals who felt threatened by growing anti-migrant tensions. “The Ghanaian government listened to the plight of its citizens in South Africa, who felt that their lives were in danger,” Quashie said.

He said the Ghanaian government had developed a reintegration strategy to support returnees and help them resettle after arrival in Ghana. Quashie added that more than 16,000 Ghanaians currently reside in South Africa, the majority legally and in compliance with local immigration laws.

Migrants describe growing fears

Some departing passengers said they no longer felt safe remaining in South Africa following recent protests and rising anti-immigration rhetoric. “It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go,” one Ghanaian migrant told reporters before departure.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s largest economies and attracts migrants from across the continent seeking employment and business opportunities. However, the country has experienced repeated outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence over the past two decades. At least 62 people were killed during xenophobic attacks in 2008, while further violence targeting foreign nationals erupted in 2019.

The migration debate intensifies ahead of elections

The demonstrations were organised by a movement known as March and March, which has called for tighter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa. The repatriation programme comes amid broader national debate over immigration, unemployment and border management ahead of local elections expected later this year.

South African authorities earlier condemned criminal acts directed at foreign nationals while acknowledging public concern over illegal immigration and border security. Additional groups of Ghanaian nationals are expected to be repatriated in the coming days as screening and travel arrangements continue. The Ghanaian government has not indicated how long the voluntary repatriation programme will remain open.

Sources: BBC News
Reporting and analysis by Nukunya News Desk.