Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria has issued a public advisory urging Ghanaians in South Africa to avoid city centres, transport hubs, and large gatherings on September 30, 2026, as anti-immigrant protests are expected to take place. The demonstrations, organised by the 'March and March' movement and other groups, could particularly affect KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. The High Commission warned Ghanaians to exercise caution and avoid areas where confrontations could break out.
The advisory specifically instructs Ghanaians to limit non-essential movement on the day, avoiding central business districts, taxi ranks, major intersections, and transport hubs. The High Commission cautioned that the protests could lead to road blockages, disrupted public transport, and sudden shifts in the security situation. Ghanaians are advised to plan ahead and build in extra time for essential travel.
The High Commission also urged Ghanaians not to engage with protesters or get drawn into arguments over immigration and related political matters. Citizens are advised to ensure their passports, permits, visas, and other immigration documents are valid and easily accessible. They are also encouraged to keep their phones charged, stay in touch with family and community leaders, and have essential supplies, such as food, medication, and basics for vulnerable individuals.
The advisory comes amid a months-long xenophobia crisis in South Africa, which has seen Ghana evacuate over 1,600 citizens since May 2026. The crisis escalated after the fatal shooting of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak in Cape Town on June 30, 2026. The evacuation effort has been politically fraught, with some returnees complaining about inadequate government support.
Deputy Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has responded to criticism, stating that the government is not perturbed by suggestions that returnees regret coming home. However, journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has publicly criticised returnees for complaining about the aid they received. The government's support for returnees has been a contentious issue.
The High Commission has assured Ghanaians that their safety and welfare remain a priority, urging citizens to stay calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while taking reasonable precautions. Ghanaians are advised to follow directions from the South African Police Service and other authorised security agencies, and to rely only on official and credible sources for information.
The situation remains uncertain, with no clear indication of what the High Commission or the South African government plan to do once the September 30 protests have passed. For now, the advisory stands as a direct instruction for Ghanaians in the affected provinces to exercise caution and avoid city centres and large gatherings.
Key points
- Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria has warned citizens to avoid anti-immigrant protests in South Africa on September 30, 2026.
- The protests are expected to affect KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, with Ghanaians advised to limit non-essential movement.
- The advisory is part of a broader xenophobia crisis in South Africa, which has seen over 1,600 Ghanaians evacuated since May 2026.
