Omanghana
The Government of Ghana has temporarily suspended new registrations for citizens seeking evacuation from South Africa as authorities work to process an unexpected surge in applications amid rising security concerns in parts of the country.
The decision comes alongside a formal travel advisory warning Ghanaian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa, following reports of intensified xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant demonstrations across several cities.
Officials say the dual response is part of a broader effort to manage both the immediate safety of citizens abroad and the logistical challenges of an expanding evacuation operation.
Evacuation Registration Temporarily Halted
According to authorities, the evacuation initiative was initially designed to accommodate approximately 300 applicants. However, the number of requests quickly surged to more than 1,500, overwhelming consular processing capacity.
As a result, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has paused new registrations to allow officials to verify, screen, and process existing applications.
Diplomatic staff are currently cross-checking applicant identities with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to ensure proper documentation and prevent fraudulent claims of Ghanaian citizenship.
Officials noted that the verification process is essential to maintain the integrity of the evacuation exercise and ensure that only eligible citizens benefit from state-assisted repatriation.
Security Screening and Logistical Pressures
Authorities also cited security and logistical constraints as key reasons for the temporary suspension.
Following the successful return of the initial group of approximately 300 evacuees to Accra, additional flight arrangements have required careful coordination, including emergency documentation processing, flight approvals, and airport handling capacity.
Government sources say the expanded number of evacuees has significantly increased operational demands, necessitating a brief pause in new registrations while ongoing cases are finalized.
Travel Advisory Issued for South Africa
Alongside the evacuation update, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.
The advisory references ongoing security risks linked to reported xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant unrest in multiple urban centers.
Reports of Rising Tensions and Violence
Authorities and local reports indicate that organized anti-immigrant groups have been involved in targeted attacks against foreign nationals in certain areas.
Incidents include assaults, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and widespread property damage, particularly in commercial districts heavily populated by migrant entrepreneurs.
Hotspots of unrest have been reported in major urban centers such as Johannesburg and Durban, where tensions have periodically escalated into protests and sporadic violence, prompting business closures and increased police presence.
Ongoing Repatriation Efforts
Despite the temporary suspension of new applications, Ghanaian officials have emphasized that the evacuation program remains active and ongoing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a second phase of registration will be launched once the current backlog of applications has been reviewed and processed.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safe return of all affected nationals while continuing to monitor developments on the ground in South Africa.
The government says it will continue to coordinate closely with South African authorities and international partners as the situation evolves.
Source: Omanghana
