Ghana's government has not ruled out the possibility of a fresh evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The minister's comments come amid ongoing unrest in South Africa, where Ghana's mission in Pretoria has described the situation as "quite dire". The development has raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaians living, trading, and working in South Africa.
This is not the first time Ghana has had to evacuate its citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic violence. Since May 2026, over 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated in successive waves triggered by anti-immigrant hostility in cities such as Johannesburg and Durban. The scale of the operation highlights the deeply affected sizeable Ghanaian community working and trading in South Africa.
The human cost of these operations was starkly illustrated on 14 August 2026, when a Ghanaian evacuee died shortly after landing in Accra following a health emergency that occurred during the evacuation flight. The death serves as a sobering reminder of the toll the crisis has taken on those forced to flee. The Ghanaian government has previously made financial provisions to cover evacuation logistics and the reintegration of returnees.
Despite mounting costs, the government had previously declined an offer of GH¢20 million in support from telecoms operator MTN Ghana, stating that it had already made adequate financial provision. The decision reflects the government's position that it has the resources to manage the crisis without external corporate assistance. However, officials have not disclosed a specific budget figure for the operations carried out so far.
For the thousands of Ghanaians living, trading, and working in South Africa, the possibility of sudden, disruptive relocation remains real. Many previously evacuated left behind businesses, goods, and savings, and a fresh evacuation would likely compound those losses. Families in Ghana also face continued uncertainty over the safety of relatives abroad and the prospect of further returnee numbers needing reintegration support at home.
The unrest in South Africa stems from recurring waves of xenophobic violence, in which foreign nationals, including West African migrants, have been targeted amid local grievances over jobs, housing, and public services. Ghana's diplomatic mission in Pretoria functions as the country's official representation in South Africa, tasked with protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and liaising with host-government authorities during crises.
No specific timeline has been given for when or whether a new evacuation will be ordered. The decision will depend on how the situation in South Africa develops, with the ministry continuing to monitor reports from the Pretoria mission. The High Commission's advisory to Ghanaians in Johannesburg and Durban to avoid protest sites remains in effect.
Key points
- Over 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026 due to xenophobic violence.
- The Ghanaian government has not ruled out the possibility of a fresh evacuation if conditions worsen.
- A Ghanaian evacuee died in August 2026 due to a health emergency during an evacuation flight.
