Amanze Chinonye
The Government of Ghana has postponed the planned evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks, with more than 800 Ghanaians already registered for repatriation, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana said the evacuation exercise, initially scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, had been deferred for a few days to allow authorities meet mandatory legal and logistical requirements imposed by South African authorities.
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According to the ministry, the high number of evacuees, mandatory passenger screening procedures, flight permit arrangements and broader multi-institutional coordination necessitated the postponement.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that senior government officials from both countries were actively engaging to finalise arrangements and agree on a new evacuation date.
“More than 800 Ghanaians have registered to be evacuated. Senior Government Officials on both sides are engaging on South African legal conditions, passenger screening, managing the high numbers and multi-institutional coordination as we work on a new date for the evacuation,” Ablakwa stated.
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The ministry noted that Ghanaian and South African authorities had agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation measures aimed at speeding up the process and ensuring compliance with all legal conditions.
It further assured Ghanaian nationals in South Africa that every effort was being made to guarantee their safe return home, while commending them for their patience and cooperation during the process.
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted foreign nationals, including migrants and business owners from other African countries.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
