The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has arrived in South Africa to engage Ghana’s High Commissioner and local authorities to on plans to facilitate the safe return of affected Ghanaian citizens following renewed xenophobic tensions.
This is after the government deferred the planned evacuation exercise, which was initially scheduled for Thursday 21st May, 2026.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the number of Ghanaians seeking evacuation sharply increased from about 300 to more than 800, requiring additional legal and logistical arrangements before the exercise can proceed.
The attacks in South Africa which are largely linked to anti-immigration protests and growing economic frustrations, has sparked fear across migrant communities and prompted diplomatic intervention from several African governments.
The latest incidents gained international attention after disturbing videos circulated on social media showing foreign nationals being harassed, threatened, and assaulted in parts of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and KwaZulu-Natal.
A Ghanaian man was allegedly confronted and ordered to leave South Africa, triggering outrage in Ghana and among the wider African community.
The Minister during his visit also commended Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Benjamin Quashie, for locating a Ghanaian citizen identified as Sylvester Boakye, who reportedly missed the updated evacuation notice and arrived at the O.R. Tambo International Airport expecting to depart.
He however dispelled rumours that Boakye had already been airlifted to Ghana on a chartered flight.
He also assured that the government will ensure that no Ghanaian willing to return home will be left behind.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
