Ghana Resumes Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
The Government of Ghana has announced the resumption of the next phase of evacuations for Ghanaians living in South Africa, following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting migrants in that country.
In a press release issued on Saturday, 25th July 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs* said the latest evacuation exercise will cover about 1,000 Ghanaians and will be carried out in groups over the coming days.
The first flights are scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday 26th July and Monday 27th July, 2026.
Who Will Be Evacuated First
According to the Ministry, the exercise will commence with Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily return home with government assistance.
In line with government policy, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students.
Distressed Ghanaians in South Africa have been asked to contact the High Commission on telephone number: 0723681010 for further inquiries and assistance on travel arrangements.
“The Government of Ghana and our High Commission in Pretoria remains alert and has reactivated its emergency consular response as we stand ready to assist all Ghanaians living in South Africa to return home safely,” the statement said.
Government Appreciates Support from Church and Business Community
The Ministry expressed gratitude to organizations that have supported affected Ghanaians during the crisis.
The Government conveyed “special heartfelt appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, and Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for generously allowing their premises to be used as shelters for many weeks, free of charge, for our compatriots who fled their homes awaiting processing by our High Commission.”
Hundreds of Ghanaians reportedly sought refuge in these facilities after fleeing their homes and businesses in the wake of violent attacks in several South African townships.
Call for Calm and Cooperation
The Ministry urged all Ghanaians in South Africa to remain calm as the evacuation progresses.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all our compatriots in South Africa to remain calm, avoid areas of unrest, ignore provocations and cooperate fully with officials of the Ghana High Commission to ensure a successful humanitarian evacuation as was experienced during the first phase,” the release stated.
Officials say lessons from the first phase of evacuations earlier this year will help ensure a smoother and faster process this time.
“We Shall Leave No Ghanaian Behind”
Reaffirming government’s commitment to the safety of citizens abroad, the Ministry stressed that no Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way.
“Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the statement concluded.
The High Commission in Pretoria has been working with South African authorities to secure safe passage for evacuees to airports and to coordinate flight logistics.
Background: Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
South Africa has witnessed sporadic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, often targeting African migrants accused of competing for jobs and business opportunities.
The latest wave has affected foreign nationals in Gauteng and other provinces, prompting several African countries to consider evacuation options for their citizens.
Ghana’s decision to resume evacuations underscores the government’s duty to protect citizens abroad and to respond swiftly to humanitarian emergencies.
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more flights are scheduled.
For further assistance, Ghanaians in South Africa are encouraged to stay in touch with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria on 0723681010.
Read full release below:
