Ghana Cautions Citizens Over South Africa Protests, Anti-Foreigner Campaigns

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised all prospective Ghanaian travellers to South Africa to exercise caution in their travel plans due to ongoing heightened anti-African campaigns and planned public demonstrations in several parts of that country.

In a statement, the Ministry said a planned nationwide protest and shutdown called for on June 30, 2026, together with an unofficial departure deadline directed at foreign African nationals by certain activist groups, could lead to further incidents of intimidation, violence and attacks against foreign African nationals.

The Ministry noted that the Government of South Africa has stated publicly that the deadline has no legal backing and that law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain public order.

The Ministry is therefore urging Ghanaian nationals travelling to or within South Africa to exercise a high degree of caution until the situation returns to normal.

Prospective travellers have been advised to reconsider non-essential travel to areas where demonstrations or public gatherings are expected, to monitor local news and official announcements from the High Commission of Ghana in South Africa, and to avoid all protests, marches, road blockades and large public gatherings regardless of their stated purpose.

Ghanaians have also been asked to remain vigilant in public places such as transport hubs, shopping centres, taxi ranks and entertainment districts, to keep travel documents readily accessible and ensure passports, visas and permits remain valid at all times, to carry copies of identification documents separately from the originals, to avoid travelling after dark unless absolutely necessary, and to inform family members or trusted contacts of their travel plans while maintaining regular communication.

For Ghanaians already in South Africa, the Ministry is encouraging them to limit unnecessary movements during this period of heightened tension, to stay away from identified protest routes and areas experiencing unrest, and to keep emergency supplies, essential medications and communication devices readily available.

The Ministry also advised nationals to ensure that family members know how to contact one another in case of emergencies and to report any threats, intimidation, or attacks immediately to the South African Police Service and to notify the Ghana High Commission.

Ghanaians requiring emergency consular assistance have been urged to contact the High Commission of Ghana in Pretoria through its official emergency telephone numbers and email address.

The Government of Ghana reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Ghanaian citizens abroad and urged all nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious at all times.

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