The Ghanaian government is on high alert and prepared to evacuate more citizens from South Africa if the anti-immigrant violence escalates, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and assessing the welfare of Ghanaians who may require assistance. The minister's comments come after a recent wave of violent protests in Johannesburg's Soweto township and Durban.
The latest evacuation warning follows the completion of a previous operation that brought home 1,964 Ghanaian citizens from South Africa. The exercise, which began on May 27, cost the government approximately GH¢49.72 million. The evacuation was a response to renewed attacks and intimidation targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The Ghanaian government has demonstrated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Minister Ablakwa also disclosed that more than 6,300 Ghanaians have been evacuated from distress situations worldwide since last year. The evacuees included citizens brought home from Libya, Myanmar, and Cambodia. This highlights the government's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens globally.
The recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa turned violent on October 8, following demonstrations over the country's asylum system and a Constitutional Court ruling. The unrest led to reports of attacks on foreign nationals, prompting concerns about the safety of Ghanaians and other foreigners living in South Africa.
In response to the violence, South Africa's Home Affairs Department withdrew a directive related to the processing of asylum applications, citing operational challenges and public safety concerns. The African Union has also taken notice of the situation, with Minister Ablakwa stating that the matter will be discussed at its next summit in January 2027.
The Ghanaian government has urged its citizens in Johannesburg and Durban to avoid areas where protests are taking place. With the situation remaining volatile, the government is prepared to take swift action to protect its citizens. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the door is not shut for further evacuations if the situation deteriorates.
The government's preparedness to evacuate more citizens from South Africa underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ghanaians abroad. As the situation continues to unfold, the government will continue to monitor developments and take necessary actions to protect its citizens.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government spent approximately GH¢49.72 million on the evacuation of 1,964 citizens from South Africa.
- More than 6,300 Ghanaians have been evacuated from distress situations worldwide since last year.
- The African Union will discuss the matter of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa at its next summit in January 2027.
