Nigeria: Ghana evacuates citizens from South Africa as xenophobia fears escalate
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Ghana has begun airlifting citizens from South Africa following a recent surge in xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners. The first repatriation flight landed in Accra on May 27, 2026, carrying about 300 evacuees who were received by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and supporters at Kotoka International Airport.
In total, Ghana expects to evacuate around 800 nationals after organizing special flights in response to protests and violence against both documented and undocumented immigrants in South Africa. Many returnees described growing fear and hostility over the past few weeks.
“It has never been easy for us in South Africa over the past few weeks,” said Victor Atsu Togbe, one of the evacuees. “We want to thank the Ghanaian government for taking us out of the lion’s den.”
South Africa has long been a destination for African migrants due to its industrial economy, but unemployment above 30% has fueled repeated outbreaks of xenophobia. Recent tensions intensified after a viral video allegedly showing the assault of a Ghanaian man spread on social media.
Foreign Minister Ablakwa assured returnees of government support, including psychosocial aid and financial reintegration packages. He also noted that 26 of the evacuees had been detained in South Africa for visa violations. South Africa’s Border Management Authority stated that about 90% of the travelers were undocumented, many having overstayed visas by 30 days or more. Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa, however, criticized delays in South African immigration processing for permit renewals.
The crisis has revived debate across Africa over xenophobia and migration, especially after a citizen group issued an ultimatum for illegal migrants to leave by June 30. Reports from Durban say migrants from Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia have already faced door-to-door threats to depart.
South Africa’s government says it is increasing enforcement against undocumented immigrants but is urging citizens not to resort to violence. Statistics show more than 3 million foreigners live in South Africa, about 5.1% of the population, with over 63% coming from the Southern African Development Community.
