The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that an additional 600 Ghanaians have registered at Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa for evacuation as concerns over the safety of foreign nationals continue to grow amid rising xenophobic tensions in the country.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety, and dignity of Ghanaians abroad, stressing that authorities will not hesitate to act when citizens are threatened.
“When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the government of Ghana does not compromise or dither. I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
The latest announcement comes just days after the successful evacuation of approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa as part of an emergency repatriation exercise approved by the government.
The first batch of evacuees arrived at the Accra International Airport in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, following escalating reports of anti-immigrant demonstrations, threats, harassment, and attacks targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities.
The repatriation initiative was launched in response to growing concerns over the security of Ghanaians living and working in South Africa, where xenophobic sentiments have resurfaced in recent weeks.
The situation prompted the authorities to engage closely with their diplomatic mission in Pretoria to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens who expressed the desire to leave.
Upon arrival in Ghana, the returnees were welcomed by senior government officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Chief of Staff.
The government also coordinated support services for the evacuees, including medical examinations, psychological counselling, and transportation assistance to help ease their reintegration into society.
The registration of an additional 600 Ghanaians seeking evacuation suggests that concerns among members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa remain significant despite ongoing efforts by South African authorities to restore calm and maintain order.
Government officials have assured that arrangements are being made to facilitate the safe return of the newly registered individuals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working through Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, is expected to provide further details on the evacuation schedule and logistical arrangements in the coming days.
The development underscores Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens wherever they may be and reflects the government’s readiness to intervene swiftly during periods of crisis affecting nationals abroad.
As preparations continue for the next phase of the evacuation exercise, authorities have encouraged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain in contact with the High Commission and adhere to all safety advisories issued by local authorities and Ghanaian diplomatic officials.
By 1960news.com
