Gov’t begins evacuation of 1,000 more Ghanaians from South Africa

The Government of Ghana has announced the next phase of its evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, with about 1,000 citizens expected to be flown home following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting migrants.

The evacuation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be carried out in batches, with the first group scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.

In a statement released on Saturday, July 25, the Ministry indicated that the exercise will begin with Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and have voluntarily expressed their willingness to return home with government assistance.

It explained that priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with underlying medical conditions and students, in line with the government’s humanitarian response policy.

The ministry also appealed to distressed Ghanaians who are yet to register to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for assistance with travel arrangements, assuring that emergency consular services have been reactivated to support those seeking to return home safely.

As part of the ongoing response, the government expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for providing free shelter to Ghanaians displaced by the attacks while they awaited processing by the High Commission.

According to the ministry, the support offered by the two institutions has provided temporary relief for many affected Ghanaians who were forced to flee their homes in the wake of the violence.

The government further urged Ghanaians still residing in South Africa to remain calm, avoid areas experiencing unrest, ignore provocations and cooperate fully with officials of the Ghana High Commission to facilitate a smooth and orderly evacuation process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad, assuring that every effort is being made to ensure those affected by the attacks are brought home safely.

“Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the statement said.