Ghana’s President John Mahama has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The move comes after affected Ghanaians complied with an advisory issued by Ghana’s Foreign Ministry and registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for emergency assistance.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s Presidency and the Foreign Ministry, officials said the evacuation process would begin immediately to ensure the safety of citizens caught up in the unrest.
‘Government remains committed to the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals abroad,’ the statement said.
Accra moves to protect citizens abroad
The latest intervention marks one of the strongest responses yet by Ghanaian authorities to recurring anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have periodically faced attacks, looting and intimidation.
Government officials said the affected individuals had already been identified through the registration process coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
The statement said the government remained committed to protecting the welfare and security of Ghanaians living abroad, particularly in areas facing instability or targeted violence.
‘The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,’ the statement added.
The authorities did not immediately disclose the timetable for the evacuation flights or whether additional citizens could still be added to the operation.
Renewed xenophobic fears
The latest unrest intensified earlier this week in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, raising fresh fears over the safety of African migrants living in South Africa’s urban centres.
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, often driven by tensions linked to unemployment, crime and competition for economic opportunities.
Foreign-owned shops and businesses have frequently been targeted during such attacks, with migrants from other African countries among the main victims.
Previous episodes of violence triggered diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and several African governments, including Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
As previously reported by Africa Briefing, South African authorities have faced growing pressure to confront recurring anti-immigrant violence and its diplomatic fallout across the continent.
Foreign Ministry coordinates operation
Officials familiar with the evacuation effort said Ghana’s Foreign Ministry worked closely with the High Commission in Pretoria to identify vulnerable nationals and coordinate logistics for their return.
The government’s earlier advisory encouraged Ghanaians in affected areas to remain indoors, avoid high-risk locations and maintain contact with diplomatic officials.
The evacuation announcement is likely to reassure families in Ghana who have been anxiously monitoring developments in South Africa following reports of escalating violence.
The evacuation also reflects increasing pressure on African governments to respond rapidly when citizens abroad face security threats.
Ghana had earlier intensified diplomatic engagement on the matter, including calls for stronger continental action through the African Union, according to a previous Africa Briefing report.
Regional concerns remain
The renewed attacks are expected to reignite debate across the continent over migration, economic inequality and the treatment of African migrants within Africa itself.
The African Union has previously condemned xenophobic violence in South Africa and called for stronger regional cooperation to address the causes of anti-immigrant tensions.
For Ghana, the evacuation operation represents both a humanitarian response and a diplomatic signal that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a national priority.
The crisis had already prompted diplomatic friction after Ghana summoned South Africa’s envoy over earlier attacks, as detailed in another Africa Briefing report.
As preparations continue, attention is now turning to whether further unrest could force additional evacuations or wider diplomatic engagement between Accra and Pretoria.
