Ghana Begins Second Phase of Evacuation for Citizens Fleeing South Africa Attacks

July 29, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ghana has begun the second phase of repatriating citizens who fled xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with 180 evacuees arriving in Accra as the government continues efforts to support the return of nationals affected by the violence. The remaining 36 evacuees are expected to arrive on Tuesday, July 28, completing the return of 216 Ghanaians from an estimated 1,000 citizens who voluntarily registered for government-assisted repatriation.

The latest arrivals follow an earlier evacuation programme in May and June, during which the government repatriated 926 Ghanaians through chartered flights. Welcoming the returnees, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaian citizens abroad, saying no citizen would be abandoned during times of crisis.

Ablakwa led a minute of silence in memory of two Ghanaians who died during the xenophobic attacks and said the government would continue engaging South African authorities to ensure investigations are completed and those responsible are held accountable. The minister said the latest evacuation forms part of a broader government programme to assist citizens affected by the attacks. He thanked The Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for providing temporary shelter to Ghanaians who had fled their homes while awaiting evacuation.

The returning citizens will receive travel and reintegration support similar to those provided during the first phase, Ablakwa said. The government is also working with public institutions and private sector organisations to support employment opportunities and livelihood initiatives for returnees. He added that Ghana would continue discussions with South African authorities and pursue legal processes to protect citizens who lost property and businesses during the attacks. The minister also praised the conduct of the evacuees while in South Africa, noting that they completed required security screening before departure and upheld Ghana’s reputation by respecting the laws of their host country. Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, deputy director-general of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said the agency would work with relevant stakeholders to provide support for the returnees as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities. The evacuees expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian government for facilitating their return and pledged to contribute to the country’s development.

Source: FSX Business News