Ghana began repatriating its citizens from South Africa on May 21, 2026, following a surge in xenophobic attacks [5].
The move comes as renewed anti-immigrant protests targeting undocumented migrants create significant security and socio-economic tensions across the region. These attacks have forced the Ghanaian government to prioritize the safety of its nationals living in South Africa.
President John Mahama approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians [4]. This initial phase of the repatriation effort is part of a broader response to the unrest occurring primarily in Johannesburg and at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
High Commissioner Benjamin Anani Quashie said, "We won’t leave any Ghanaian behind."
Data regarding the scale of the repatriation varies across reports. While some early estimates indicated 300 nationals would return [2], later reports suggest that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered for evacuation [1]. Other figures indicate that over 200 citizens signed up specifically for voluntary repatriation [3].
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has become a central hub for citizens seeking assistance. Dozens of Ghanaians have gathered at the commission as they await their scheduled flights home.
Government officials have focused on coordinating the logistics of these flights to ensure a steady flow of returnees. The operation aims to mitigate the risks faced by Ghanaian residents who have become targets of the current wave of violence.
“"We won’t leave any Ghanaian behind."”
The repatriation effort highlights the fragile state of migrant security in South Africa and the recurring nature of xenophobic violence. By coordinating a state-led evacuation, Ghana is signaling that it views the current unrest as a systemic threat rather than isolated incidents, potentially straining diplomatic relations between the two African nations.
