Ghana Welcomes First Evacuees From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Fears

The Ghanaian government has received the first group of evacuees returning from South Africa after renewed anti-foreigner tensions triggered fears among migrant communities. Officials pledged reintegration support, financial assistance and continued diplomatic engagement.

ACCRA — Ghanaian authorities on Wednesday received the first batch of citizens evacuated from South Africa following renewed anti-foreigner tensions and attacks that have unsettled migrant communities across parts of the country.

The returnees arrived at Accra International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight as part of a government-led evacuation operation initiated after growing security concerns involving African migrants in South Africa. Officials said 300 Ghanaians formed part of the initial evacuation exercise, with more citizens expected to return in the coming days as authorities continue diplomatic and logistical efforts.

The operation reflects mounting concern across the continent over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted foreign African nationals, businesses and migrant communities. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, addressing the evacuees at the airport, urged them to remain hopeful despite the trauma many experienced before leaving South Africa.

“Once there is life, there is hope,” he told the visibly emotional returnees during the reception ceremony.

Mr Debrah said President John Dramani Mahama had remained closely engaged with the evacuation effort and was committed to ensuring the safe return and reintegration of affected citizens. “He had sleepless nights, and that is why he has lived by his promise and ensured that you are in Ghana safely,” Mr Debrah said of the president.

The Chief of Staff said the government would continue supporting the evacuees as they rebuild their lives in Ghana. “As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also assured the returnees that the government would provide reintegration support, including transportation assistance, counselling and financial aid. Officials said psychologists and medical personnel had been mobilised to assist returnees dealing with trauma linked to the unrest and displacement.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that 26 Ghanaians who had reportedly been detained in South Africa over alleged visa violations were released following diplomatic engagement between Ghanaian and South African authorities. “We negotiated with the South African government that since we are evacuating our nationals, we don’t want to leave anybody behind in prison,” he said.

Some evacuees described harrowing experiences during the unrest, including robberies, attacks and insecurity. Victor Atsu Tagoe, who said he had lived in South Africa for 16 years, thanked the Ghanaian government for organising the evacuation.

“It wasn’t easy for us. I even got a bullet in my spine due to a hijacking incident there in South Africa,” he said. The evacuation follows renewed reports of anti-foreigner hostility in parts of South Africa, where previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence have led to deaths, looting and diplomatic tensions across Africa.

Ghana earlier petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place in Cairo. Officials said additional evacuation flights may be arranged depending on the number of registered Ghanaians seeking to return home.

Reporting by Edem Hodasi, with additional reporting, and verified Ghanaian media reporting (GNA).

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