Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that none of the Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa under the government’s ongoing repatriation exercise is on the country’s wanted list, dismissing claims that Ghanaian migrants are involved in criminal activities.
The clarification comes as Ghana continues the second phase of its evacuation programme following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday, July 27, Ablakwa said all Ghanaians repatriated so far had undergone screening by South African authorities, with none found to be wanted for any criminal offence.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the outcome of the screening debunks claims that Ghanaians living in South Africa are engaged in criminal activities.
“I would like to place on record that all the Ghanaians who have been screened by South African authorities, none of them has been a subject of interest on the wanted list of the South African authorities,” he stated.
He disclosed that the second phase of the evacuation exercise commenced on Sunday, July 26, and is expected to facilitate the voluntary return of about 1,000 Ghanaians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks.
Ablakwa said about 200 evacuees had already arrived at the Accra International Airport, with another batch expected in Accra on Tuesday, July 28.
The evacuation exercise he said, is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with support from relevant ministries, departments, agencies and international partners.
The Minister further indicated that Ghana continues to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure that the evacuation process is conducted in an orderly, safe and dignified manner, while expressing appreciation for the cooperation extended by the South African government.
The government launched the evacuation exercise after renewed xenophobic attacks prompted hundreds of Ghanaians in South Africa to opt for voluntary repatriation.
The first phase, conducted between May and June 2026, saw 926 Ghanaian nationals flown home in three chartered flights.
