Omanghana
The Government of Ghana has successfully completed another phase of its emergency repatriation program, with a second group of 345 Ghanaian nationals arriving safely at Kotoka International Airport.
The returnees traveled aboard a chartered evacuation flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport, where many passengers were seen waving Ghanaian flags before departure, expressing relief and gratitude for the government’s intervention amid escalating tensions in parts of South Africa.
Rising Xenophobic Tensions Trigger Evacuation Effort
The voluntary evacuation exercise was launched by the administration of John Dramani Mahama following reports of increasing xenophobic attacks, anti-immigrant demonstrations, and growing insecurity affecting foreign nationals in several South African communities.
The protests have largely focused on undocumented migrants and foreign workers, creating a tense environment that has impacted many African immigrant communities. Several Ghanaian nationals reportedly experienced intimidation, harassment, robbery, and other security concerns, prompting calls for government assistance and voluntary repatriation.
In response, Ghanaian authorities activated an emergency evacuation program through the country’s diplomatic missions and relevant government agencies.
Repatriation Operation Expands
The latest flight marks the second major phase of Ghana’s ongoing evacuation initiative.
The first emergency flight, which arrived on May 27, 2026, transported nearly 300 Ghanaian citizens back home. That group included 26 individuals whose release from South African immigration detention facilities was secured through diplomatic engagement by Ghanaian officials.
The June 6 operation brought an additional 345 citizens back to Ghana, significantly increasing the total number of evacuees returned under the program.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, more than 600 additional Ghanaian nationals remain registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and are expected to be repatriated through subsequent chartered flights in the coming weeks.
Government Officials Welcome Returnees
Upon arrival in Accra, the evacuees were received by a high-level government delegation led by Julius Debrah and Foreign Minister Ablakwa.
Government officials welcomed the returnees and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting citizens affected by the situation in South Africa.
Many of the returnees are believed to have spent years, and in some cases decades, building businesses, careers, and livelihoods abroad. As a result, the decision to return home has been accompanied by both relief and uncertainty about the future.
Reintegration Support Package Announced
Recognizing the challenges facing the evacuees, the government has announced a comprehensive reintegration and support framework aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives in Ghana.
The package includes immediate transportation assistance, psychosocial support and counseling services, economic safety-net interventions, and access to government-backed employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Officials say the initiative is designed to ease the transition process while helping returnees secure sustainable livelihoods after their return.
Continued Monitoring of the Situation
Ghanaian authorities have indicated that they will continue monitoring developments in South Africa while working closely with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to assist citizens who remain in the country.
With hundreds more Ghanaians still registered for evacuation, the government is expected to maintain the repatriation program until all citizens seeking voluntary return have been safely brought home.
The latest operation underscores Ghana’s ongoing efforts to protect its citizens abroad and provide support during periods of regional instability and migration-related challenges.
Source: Omanghana
