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Introduction
The first batch of 300 Ghanaians has arrived in the country as part of the Government’s effort to secure the safety of citizens in South Africa.
The evacuation exercise is a direct response to the renewed anti-immigrant tensions, protests, and reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the Southern African country.
The development has reignited continental debates about African unity, migration, and the protection of African migrants in African Union (AU) member states, as well as the protection of businesses under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Why did Ghana repatriate its citizens?
International media outlets, such as Reuters, the New York Times, and the BBC, reported that nearly 300 Ghanaians were repatriated from South Africa after protests and violence created fear among migrants from other African countries.
The report stated that many of the returnees reported feeling unsafe in South Africa.
The evacuation followed weeks of demonstrations in parts of South Africa and molestation of African migrants, including Ghanaians and Nigerians, by some South Africans over illegal immigration.
South African protesters accused undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
The South African authorities have acknowledged concerns over illegal immigration while condemning xenophobic violence.
Ghana’s response to the xenophobic attacks on its citizens
Ghana has petitioned the AU to table the Xenophobic attacks on non-South Africans in the country for discussion and subsequent action.
“The recurrence of xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa, which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment, and continue to pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in South Africa,” Ghana said.
“Africa’s future is one of shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect,” the letter said, adding that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.”
A screenshot of Ghana’s petition to the AU
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had approved the “immediate evacuation” of 300 Ghanaians who had registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for rescue.
In a statement shared on social media, Ablakwa said the affected citizens had complied with an advisory from the Foreign Ministry and registered for evacuation following “the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.”
Also, when the first batch of evacuees arrived in Accra, Ablakwa assured them of government support, stating:
“Wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected.”
Reuters also reported that the Foreign Minister promised psychosocial support and reintegration assistance to help returnees rebuild their lives in Ghana.
According to Graphic Online, the government also planned transportation support to final destinations, reintegration allowances, psychological counselling, and inclusion in a special jobs and startup opportunities database.
Reacting to Ghana’s AU petition, the South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said the government dealt with the “sporadic incidents of confrontation against some immigrants, among them citizens of fellow African states residing in South Africa, by sections in our communities earlier this month.”
Should Ghana’s proposed item be placed on the agenda at the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting to be held next month in Egypt, South Africa would push its own item on “the push and pull factors of migration, including good governance, rule of law, and democracy, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the AU.”
“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart. Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion, and continental responsibility,” the South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said.
Why were Ghanaians Leaving South Africa?
South Africa has long struggled with recurring xenophobic tensions. Migrants from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Ethiopia have often been blamed for economic hardships, unemployment, and criminal activities.
Reports indicate that more than 800 Ghanaians registered for evacuation following heightened fears and anti-immigrant demonstrations.
Reuters reported that some returnees had also been detained in South Africa for immigration-related reasons. Ghanaian authorities reportedly negotiated the release of 26 detained Ghanaians before their return home.
South African immigration officials further disclosed that only a small number of those repatriated possessed legal immigration status, with many allegedly overstaying visas or lacking proper documentation.
Diplomatic concerns
The crisis triggered diplomatic engagement between Ghana and South Africa. Ghana reportedly summoned South Africa’s ambassador over the alleged mistreatment of Ghanaians.
Ghana also raised concerns with the African Union, arguing that the attacks posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Africans living in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by stating that the protests and criminal acts directed at foreigners did not reflect official government policy. He described them as “isolated acts of criminality” while insisting South Africa would continue enforcing immigration laws.
Wider African implications
The evacuations have raised broader questions about African integration and the future of AfCFTA. While Africa seeks deeper economic integration and free trade across the continent, xenophobic violence undermines confidence among African migrants, traders, and investors.
Migration experts cited by the Associated Press described Ghana’s evacuation effort not only as a humanitarian measure but also as a political message expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment of African migrants in South Africa.
The situation also highlights the tension between economic integration, free movement, national immigration control, and domestic economic frustrations.
Critics argue that Africa cannot fully achieve continental integration if African citizens remain unsafe while living or doing business in other African countries.
Conclusion
Ghana’s evacuation of approximately 300 citizens from South Africa reflects growing concern over xenophobic tensions and the safety of African migrants. While the intervention demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, it also exposes deeper continental challenges relating to migration, economic inequality, and African unity.
The crisis serves as a reminder that regional integration under AfCFTA will require not only trade agreements but also stronger protections for Africans living and working across borders.
