Ghanaian Nationals in South Africa Push for Evacuation After Xenophobic Attacks

Some Ghanaians living in South Africa have expressed a strong desire to return home following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

The attacks have left many in the Ghanaian community feeling unsafe and anxious about their safety and future in South Africa.

The Ghanaian government had planned an evacuation exercise to bring affected nationals home. However, the exercise was postponed after technical challenges emerged, including delays in screening processes and difficulties securing permits for the aircraft to land from South African authorities.

The postponement has heightened anxiety among Ghanaians who are desperately seeking to return. Several nationals told officials they were living in fear and wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Frustrations aired during minister’s visit

The frustrations came to the fore during a visit by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs to South Africa, where he met with members of the Ghanaian community.

Those present described their experiences since the attacks and urged the government to expedite the evacuation process. They said the uncertainty surrounding the delayed exercise was adding to their distress.

The minister assured the group that the government was aware of the urgency and was working to resolve the outstanding issues with South African authorities.

Evacuation expected this week

Officials say efforts are ongoing to finalize the logistics for the evacuation. The government is actively working to ensure that the exercise takes place this week, pending the completion of screening and the approval of landing permits.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and said it remains in close contact with the South African government and Ghana’s mission in Pretoria to monitor the situation.

The latest xenophobic incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of African migrants in South Africa and sparked calls for stronger regional responses to protect foreign nationals.

For now, Ghanaians awaiting evacuation say they are holding on to the hope that the process will move forward without further delays.