Xenophobic Attacks: Gov’t Begins Second Phase Of Evacuation, 180 Ghanaians Return From South Africa
The Government of Ghana on Sunday commenced the second phase of the repatriation of Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with 180 evacuees arriving in Accra.
The remaining 36 are expected to arrive on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, bringing the total for this phase to 216. They are among an estimated 1,000 Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to return home with government assistance.
The Government had earlier evacuated 926 citizens onboard chartered flights in May and June 2026 during the first phase of the exercise.
Welcoming the returnees at the airport, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, conveyed felicitations from President John Dramani Mahama.
He assured the evacuees of government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and safety of all Ghanaian nationals across the globe.
“No Ghanaian will be abandoned in times of distress,” Hon. Ablakwa said, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring their successful reintegration into society.
The Minister led a minute’s silence in remembrance of the two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and reiterated calls for justice.
He assured the evacuees that government would continue to engage South African authorities to ensure thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable.
Hon. Ablakwa explained that the current exercise forms part of the second phase of government’s evacuation programme following the successful evacuation of over 900 citizens in the initial phase.
He expressed appreciation to The Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for providing shelter to Ghanaians who had fled their homes while awaiting evacuation, describing the gesture as “a remarkable demonstration of compassion and solidarity.”
He assured the returnees that they would receive the same travel and reintegration support packages provided during the first phase. The Minister further disclosed that government is working with public institutions and the private sector to facilitate employment opportunities and other livelihood support initiatives.
He added that government would continue to engage South African authorities and pursue the necessary legal processes to safeguard the interests of Ghanaians who lost properties and businesses during the attacks.
Hon. Ablakwa also commended the evacuees for their exemplary conduct while living in South Africa.
He noted that they had successfully undergone the necessary security screening by South African authorities prior to departure, and said their conduct reflected positively on Ghana and demonstrated that Ghanaian nationals continue to uphold the laws of their host country.
The Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation [NADMO] in charge of Livelihood and Community Empowerment, Mr Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, also welcomed the evacuees home.
He assured them of government’s commitment to supporting their successful reintegration into families and communities, and reaffirmed NADMO’s readiness to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the returnees receive the necessary support as they rebuild their lives in Ghana.
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