The Government of Ghana has finalised arrangements for the emergency evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following a distressing surge in xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that a special chartered flight has been arranged to repatriate affected individuals.
The emergency flight is scheduled to depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on May 21, 2026, at 5:00 am.
According to the ministry, this evacuation exercise is a fully funded intervention by the Ghanaian government, meaning citizens will not be required to pay for the service
The decision follows the explicit approval of President John Dramani Mahama to safeguard distressed Ghanaians who had previously registered their details with the diplomatic mission in response to a recent travel and safety advisory.
Tensions have escalated across various South African cities, prompting several African nations to issue safety warnings or initiate repatriation plans for their compatriots.
Official communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that the state remains fully committed to protecting the welfare of its populace both domestically and abroad during international crises.
Ghanaian nationals seeking further details or requiring immediate assistance are advised to establish contact with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
Additional updates regarding the logistics of the repatriation exercise will be provided through the ministry’s official portal.
