Omanghana
The Government of Ghana has evacuated another 150 citizens from South Africa, increasing the total number brought home under the voluntary repatriation program to 1,324.
The latest group arrived safely at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Monday, August 3, 2026, as the government intensified efforts to protect Ghanaians affected by anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa.
The returnees were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson and other senior government officials.
Their arrival formed part of the second phase of the evacuation exercise, coordinated by the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria.
The second phase is intended to bring home approximately 1,000 additional Ghanaians who registered to leave South Africa voluntarily. Unlike the initial phase, which relied heavily on chartered aircraft, the current operation has also used commercial flights to facilitate an orderly return.
Government officials assured the evacuees that assistance would extend beyond their arrival in Ghana. A multi-agency team has begun profiling the returnees according to their qualifications, professional experience, skills and career interests.
The information will be used to connect them with employment opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, vocational training and business support initiatives.
The government is also providing emergency financial assistance, transportation allowances, medical services, psychosocial care and reintegration grants to help the returnees rebuild their lives.
Officials urged them not to direct anger toward all South Africans, stressing that the violent actions of some individuals should not destroy the longstanding relationship between Ghana and South Africa.
They emphasized that both countries remain important members of the African community and must continue working together to promote unity, migration safety and economic cooperation.
The evacuation operation has received significant assistance from Ghanaian religious and community organizations in South Africa.
The government expressed particular appreciation to Church of Pentecost congregations in Pretoria and Johannesburg for providing temporary accommodation to displaced Ghanaians while travel arrangements were completed.
Other organizations and private-sector partners have also supported the exercise by providing shelter, medical screening, communication services and job opportunities.
The voluntary evacuation program began in May 2026 after renewed anti-foreigner tensions and attacks created fear among African migrant communities in South Africa.
Ghanaian authorities have continued engaging the South African government diplomatically while documenting businesses, properties and investments reportedly lost by citizens during the unrest.
The government maintains that it will continue helping registered Ghanaians who wish to return while supporting the long-term reintegration of those already home.
Source: Omanghana
