Gov’t  Evacuates 1,142 Ghanaians From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks As Ablakwa Updates Nation On Diplomatic Crises

The Government of Ghana has evacuated 1,142 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa in two phases following a resurgence of xenophobic violence, and is demanding a full investigation into the murder of two Ghanaians, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

Addressing a media briefing in Accra on Monday, the Minister said the attacks, driven by anti-foreigner groups “March and March” and “Operation Dudula,” have forced Ghana to activate emergency diplomatic, consular and humanitarian responses at bilateral and continental levels.

“The Government remains committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian citizen receives the necessary diplomatic and consular protection whenever circumstances require,” Hon. Ablakwa stated.

Murder of Mr. Bashiru Issaka and Mr. Antwi Kwadwo
The Minister confirmed the killing of 44-year-old Mr. Bashiru Issaka, a father of three, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town on 30th June 2026 during violent anti-immigrant demonstrations.

According to the Minister, the identity of Mr. Issaka was initially disputed by South African authorities but was confirmed after Ghana’s insistence. The High Commission in Pretoria lodged a formal protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, filed a complaint with the South African Police Service, and facilitated the repatriation of his remains.

Mr. Issaka’s body arrived at Kotoka International Airport on 14th July 2026* and was conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital for an independent autopsy after delays in obtaining a South African post-mortem report. “The coroner’s report has been prepared and would be released this week with the autopsy report to enable the Government to consider further processes,” Ablakwa said.

The Government has demanded “the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this gruesome murder” and says the demand has been communicated to South African authorities at the highest political level.

The Minister also addressed the murder of Mr. Antwi Kwadwo in Prieska, Northern Cape Province on 18th July 2026. The High Commission is engaging South African authorities to determine if the killing is linked to the xenophobic attacks. “The Government considers it prudent not to speculate on the motivation for the murder until investigations are completed,” he noted.

Mass Evacuation of Ghanaians Underway
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Ghana launched a two-phase evacuation.

Phase One: 926 Ghanaians were evacuated voluntarily from Johannesburg via three chartered flights on 27th May, 6th and 7th June 2026.
Phase Two: Began 26th July 2026 and targets 1,000 more nationals. So far, 132 Ghanaians have been repatriated on commercial flights, with 84 more expected by 28th July 2026.

The operations were coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria with support from the IOM, NADMO, and the Ghana Red Cross Society.

The Minister expressed special appreciation to the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg and Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd for providing free shelter for weeks to displaced Ghanaians awaiting evacuation.

Ghana Takes Case to African Union
Beyond bilateral engagement, Ghana has taken the matter to the continental level. On *6th May 2026, Ghana petitioned the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to place “Xenophobic Attacks in the Republic of South Africa against African Nationals” on the AU agenda.

President John Dramani Mahama also raised the issue with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on 22nd July 2026 in Accra. The petition has received the endorsement of ECOWAS Heads of State.

“Ghana’s petition is not intended to single out South Africa, but to encourage a collective continental response to a challenge that undermines the rights, dignity and security of African citizens and threatens Africa’s integration agenda,” Ablakwa explained.

He added that the AU Commission Chairperson has reaffirmed commitment to protecting African citizens and has engaged President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on the issue.

A South African Special Envoy, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, delivered a message to President Mahama reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to protecting all persons lawfully resident in its territory and conveying condolences over Mr. Issaka’s death.

GH¢5,500 Support Package for Returnees
Recognizing that evacuation is only the first step, Government has rolled out a comprehensive reintegration package:

 Reintegration grant: GH¢5,000

Travel and Transport Allowance: GH¢500

Relief items from NADMO

Free NHIS registration

SIM cards and data/voice from AirtelTigo and Telecel

Psychosocial support and trauma counselling

A multi-agency Presidential Task Force on Reintegration has been set up to link returnees to jobs, entrepreneurship and skills programs. Already, 200 jobs have been secured through partnerships with Engineers and Planners Limited, Telecel Ghana, AirtelTigo and other firms.

“No Ghanaian returning home under distressing circumstances should feel abandoned,” the Minister said. Government is also establishing a register of claims to pursue compensation for Ghanaians who lost property and businesses in the attacks.

Other Key Consular Interventions
The Minister used the briefing to update Ghanaians on other critical consular matters:

1. Libya Repatriations: 638 Ghanaians safely repatriated in three operations between February and July 2026 in partnership with IOM.

2. Cambodia: 244 Ghanaians rescued from cyber-fraud syndicates and repatriated, with immigration overstay penalties waived.

3. QNET Scam: 61 Ghanaians rescued from Côte d’Ivoire since January 2026, with 45 repatriated. Government welcomes Côte d’Ivoire’s decision to criminalize QNET activities.

4. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Government is investigating reports that 272 Ghanaians were lured into the conflict since 2022, with 55 reported dead and 2 held as POWs.

5. Detention of MP: Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, MP for Asante Akim North, detained on 10th May 2026 at Schiphol Airport under a US extradition order. The Ghana Mission in The Hague is providing consular assistance.

Combating Misinformation
Hon. Ablakwa condemned the spread of false information during the crisis, citing a false SABC report claiming Ghana had 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths. The South African High Commissioner was summoned on 21st July 2026 and SABC later withdrew the report.

He also clarified that Ghana has not been removed from South Africa’s visa-free travel arrangement*. “The existing reciprocal visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa remains fully in force,” he said.

Strengthening Consular Capacity
To sustain emergency response, Government will soon launch a public-private Consular Assistance Fund to finance emergency travel, medical aid, accommodation and repatriation for Ghanaians in distress abroad.

The Minister also announced the election of Dr. Sylvia Ama Adusu as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. She secured 130 votes, the highest in the African Group, becoming the first African woman elected to ITLOS.

Looking Ahead
Hon. Ablakwa said the Ministry is strengthening public education on safe migration with NCCE, EOCO, and faith-based groups, and enhancing the emergency preparedness of Ghana’s Missions abroad.

“Every intervention undertaken by the Ministry during this period has been guided by the conviction that Ghana’s foreign policy must produce practical outcomes that directly benefit the Ghanaian people,” he concluded.

The Minister thanked all partners including NADMO, IOM, security agencies, and the Ghanaian community in South Africa for their support.