Omanghana
Viral social media reports circulating in early May 2026 claim that some Ghanaians living in South Africa have been given a 21-day ultimatum to leave the country amid rising anti-foreigner sentiment and renewed protests over illegal migration. The claims, widely shared through video clips online, suggest that demonstrators are demanding the departure of foreign nationals, including Ghanaian residents.
Some of the circulating videos allege that affected individuals were instructed to sell their property and exit within 21 days, while other reports even reference shorter deadlines of up to 13 days. The posts have sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, though details remain inconsistent across different sources.
The reported tension comes against the backdrop of increased public demonstrations in parts of South Africa, where some protesters argue that employment opportunities should be prioritized for local citizens. Concerns over illegal immigration and associated criminal activity have also featured prominently in the rhetoric of these demonstrations.
The situation has triggered strong reactions online, with many users calling for greater protection of Africans living in other African countries and urging regional authorities to address rising xenophobic sentiment.
Previous immigration arrangements, including visa waiver provisions allowing short-term stays of up to 90 days, have also been referenced in online discussions. However, those arrangements do not permit foreign nationals to work, according to earlier public guidance shared in January 2026.
As of now, the reports remain unverified, and no official government statement has confirmed the existence of a nationwide 21-day deportation directive targeting Ghanaians or any other foreign nationality in South Africa. Authorities have not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral claims circulating on social media.
See video below:
Source: KwekuAfricaMedia and Omanghana
