Ghana’s government says it has concluded the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa after a surge of alleged xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Friday that the final group of evacuees arrived in Accra this week, bringing the total number of Ghanaians repatriated to about 1,900. The second phase alone covered 1,000 people, according to the ministry.
Ablakwa said the government provided returnees with reintegration financial support, transportation allowances, medical care, psychosocial counseling, free health insurance registration and ongoing employment assistance.
“Our message is clear: we value the lives of Ghanaians everywhere in the world, and no Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way,” he said.
The evacuations follow a wave of violence in South Africa, where foreign-owned shops were looted and migrants reported assaults in several cities.
Although South African authorities have denied that the unrest was driven by xenophobia, governments across the continent condemned the attacks and moved swiftly to protect their citizens.
Apart from Ghana, counties like Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania, have all repatriated nationals amid rising tensions.
Nigeria conducted one of the earliest evacuations, flying hundreds of citizens home after videos of attacks circulated widely online. The Nigerian government also offered temporary housing and small business grants to returnees, although its reintegration package was less extensive than Ghana’s multi‑tiered support program.
Ghana’s airlift strategy, conducted in partnership with Air Tanzania and local agencies, allowed for faster movement and medical supervision.
The Foreign Ministry said a medical emergency team was stationed at Kotoka International Airport throughout the operation. Ablakwa noted that four Ghanaians died during the period of unrest and evacuation, offering prayers for their families.
President John Mahama was praised by the Foreign Minister for what he called “inspirational leadership” throughout the crisis. Ablakwa said the government would present a comprehensive report next week detailing the evacuation process, expenditures and reintegration outcomes.
The repatriations come amid renewed debate about migration, economic inequality and regional cooperation within Africa.
