680 Ghanaians Register to Return Home as Xenophobic Attacks Escalate in South Africa – Ambassador

Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has disclosed that about 680 Ghanaians have so far registered to return home following renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa.

According to the ambassador, the Ghanaian government has already arranged two flights to transport the affected nationals back to Ghana on Wednesday June 3, 2026 as part of efforts to ensure their safety.

Speaking on the situation via zoom interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, His Excellency Quarshie stressed that the individuals seeking evacuation are legal migrants with genuine documentation, rejecting any suggestion that they are in South Africa illegally.

“The situation has not calmed down in South Africa,” he noted, adding that reports downplaying the attacks do not reflect the reality being experienced by many Ghanaians on the ground.

He expressed concern over claims that reports of xenophobic violence are being exaggerated, insisting that the experiences of victims speak for themselves.

“The attacks are rampant,” he stated, adding that despite engagements with South African authorities, little meaningful progress has been made in addressing the concerns raised by Ghana.

The ambassador further lamented that many perpetrators remain at large, claiming that no significant arrests have been made in connection with the attacks.

In a reply to a statement by South Africans that we should go fix our country, H.E. Quarshie emphasized that migration is a global phenomenon and that Ghanaians living in South Africa should not be targeted simply for seeking economic opportunities, noting, “our country is not broken”.

He assured returnees that they would not be abandoned upon arrival in Ghana, adding that authorities are working to support them during the transition till they are fully reintegrated into the society.

The ambassador also revealed that Ghana has taken inventory of businesses owned by Ghanaians in South Africa and will do everything possible to protect and safeguard those investments during their owners’ absence.

He explained that those choosing to return are not doing so lightly but are people who have become frustrated and fearful after enduring repeated xenophobic attacks.

“You cannot take Ghanaians for granted. Those returning are people who are fed up with the continuous attacks and are choosing peace and safety,” he said.

Mr. Quarshie suggested that South African authorities may not have anticipated the scale of Ghana’s response, saying the evacuation exercise has drawn significant attention and highlighted the seriousness of the situation.

The development comes amid growing calls for stronger action against xenophobic violence and better protection for foreign nationals living in South Africa.