Josiah
The government has completed the evacuation of nearly 1,900 Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with the final batch of 41 returnees arriving in Accra on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The returnees were received at the Accra International Airport by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who announced that their arrival marked the end of the government’s evacuation exercise, which began in May.
In total, nearly 1,900 Ghanaian citizens who voluntarily registered to return home were evacuated from South Africa amid concerns about their safety.
The exercise also included the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who were attacked and killed in South Africa. A third Ghanaian who returned through the evacuation programme later died in Accra, bringing the number of deaths associated with the exercise to three.
Addressing the final group of returnees, Mr Ablakwa thanked President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as his commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians living abroad.
He encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful as they settle back into life in Ghana, urging them to draw on their skills, experience and resilience to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s development.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also stressed the importance of their wellbeing during the reintegration process. Beyond the reintegration allowance provided by the government, he encouraged the returnees to pay attention to their health and seek medical care whenever necessary.
Mr Ablakwa further assured Ghanaians that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would provide a full account of the funds used for the evacuation exercise.
He expressed appreciation to government agencies and private-sector partners whose support contributed to the success of the operation.
With the arrival of the final 41 returnees, the government’s evacuation exercise for Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to leave South Africa has officially come to an end.
Source: Omanghana
