Ghana brings home 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks

The Ghanaian government has brought back about 1,000 citizens from South Africa due to rising xenophobic attacks against black Africans. Authorities have promised to support their reintegration, provide compensation, and offer job opportunities for those returning.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, shared the news of the evacuation in a Facebook post on Sunday. He said this action fulfilled the government's promise to protect Ghanaians who found themselves in danger.

“We kept our promise. No Ghanaian has been abandoned in harm’s way,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He mentioned that the evacuees arrived in Ghana on Saturday night and were welcomed by government officials at the airport.

“Last night, it was a profound honour to welcome our fellow nationals with love, warmth and the pride of being a servant leader in a great country which does not forsake our citizens, particularly in times of distress,” he added.

Help for returnees

To assist the returnees, telecommunications company AirtelTigo Ghana gave out SIM cards loaded with airtime and data at Accra International Airport. This gesture aimed to help them reconnect with family and friends after fleeing violence in South Africa.

The emotional reunion also sparked political reactions from some of the returnees.

“The Constitution should be amended immediately to allow John Mahama to run for a third term. Mr Mahama is the second Kwame Nkrumah,” one evacuee told JoyNews as a third group of Ghanaians arrived home.

President Mahama returned to office earlier this year after winning the presidential election.

Government's commitment to reintegration

Mr Ablakwa said the evacuation was just the start of the government's response to the crisis.

“But our work is far from over. We shall ensure reintegration with dignity, medical and psychosocial support, pursue compensation for those who have left properties and businesses behind, secure jobs for folks able to work and intensify our efforts towards achieving Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-African dream of genuine African integration,” he explained.

He praised officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, the International Organisation for Migration, Ethiopian Airlines, and other state agencies for effectively carrying out the evacuation.

The minister also thanked local leaders who have teamed up with the government to create job opportunities for the returning citizens.

Growing regional crisis

This evacuation happens during a new wave of xenophobic attacks affecting many African countries. It has raised concerns about the safety of migrants in South Africa.

The Nigerian government has also announced it will start free evacuation flights for citizens who want to leave South Africa due to the increased attacks on foreigners. They have urged citizens not to retaliate against South African businesses in Nigeria.

Mozambique reported that at least five of its citizens were killed in the violence, showing the deadly impact of the unrest.

Ghana has cautioned its citizens against traveling to South Africa unless absolutely necessary because of the worsening security situation.

Political leaders, civil society groups, and regional organizations have condemned the attacks. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has asked the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene, claiming South African authorities have not done enough to protect African migrants.

In an editorial, PREMIUM TIMES called on President Ramaphosa to show stronger leadership in dealing with ongoing xenophobic violence. They warned that these attacks threaten African unity and economic ties.

Though Mr Ramaphosa has condemned the violence and labeled those behind it as “opportunists” and “criminals,” critics say the repeated violence suggests deeper social and economic issues remain unresolved.

For Ghana, this evacuation is one of the most significant emergency repatriation efforts during the current crisis. It shows the increasing worry among African governments about the ongoing cycle of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

“The Mahama administration shall continue to defend the rights of our cherished citizens, serve with compassion and safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians,” Mr Ablakwa concluded.