Omanghana
Ghanaian national evacuated from South Africa has died after suffering a medical emergency shortly before arriving at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
The deceased was among 50 Ghanaians transported home aboard an Air Tanzania flight on Friday, August 14, 2026, as part of the government’s ongoing repatriation program.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fellow passengers reported that the individual’s health began deteriorating rapidly about 30 minutes before the aircraft landed.
The flight touched down at Kotoka International Airport at approximately 5:50 p.m., where an emergency medical team was already waiting to assist the passenger.
Medical personnel immediately transferred the evacuee to the airport’s Emergency Medical Reception and attempted to stabilize the individual. Despite their efforts, the passenger was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m.
The evacuation formed part of the government’s response to renewed xenophobic and anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa. Since April 2026, foreign African nationals, including Ghanaians and Nigerians, have reportedly faced increased hostility in several communities, particularly within the Durban Central Business District.
Local groups, including Operation Dudula and March and March, have been accused of targeting migrants and demanding that they leave the country. The worsening situation prompted the Ghanaian government to coordinate flights to return citizens who wanted to leave South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue in Accra. An autopsy will be conducted to establish the precise cause of death.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the deceased. The ministry said additional information would be released after the bereaved family had been formally contacted and the necessary engagements completed.
Source: Omanghana
