The government of Ghana has started voluntary repatriation flights for its citizens in South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks.
This move underscores the growing insecurity facing foreign nationals in South Africa, where renewed violence has forced governments to intervene to protect their residents.
The repatriation process was announced Thursday, May 21, 2026 [1]. Screening for citizens seeking to return home was scheduled to begin Monday, May 24, 2026 [1]. The efforts are being led by the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and High Commissioner Benjamin Anani Quashie [1, 2, 3].
Demand for evacuation has been significant. Reports on the number of citizens seeking to leave vary, with some sources saying that over 200 Ghanaian citizens signed up for voluntary repatriation [3], while others indicate that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered with the High Commission [1].
In the hours leading up to the start of the screening process, dozens of Ghanaians gathered at the High Commission in Pretoria [1]. The gathering reflected the urgency of the situation as residents sought confirmation of their flight details and safety protocols.
The Ghanaian government initiated these flights because renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals have created widespread fear for the safety of those living in South Africa [1, 2, 3]. The High Commission serves as the primary hub for coordinating the logistics of the exit operations.
“Ghana began voluntary repatriation flights for its citizens in South Africa amid a surge in xenophobic attacks”
The decision by Ghana to organize state-funded repatriation flights signals a breakdown in the perceived safety of foreign laborers and residents within South Africa. By coordinating a mass voluntary exit, the Ghanaian government is acknowledging that local South African security measures are currently insufficient to protect its citizens from targeted xenophobic violence.
