The Government of Ghana has initiated the immediate repatriation of 300 citizens currently stranded in South Africa following a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
In a statement released by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, it was confirmed that His Excellency President John Mahama has granted formal approval for the emergency evacuation exercise to commence without delay.
The decision follows a period of heightened tension and targeted attacks against foreign nationals in various South African provinces.
The group of distressed Ghanaians earmarked for the first phase of the evacuation had previously heeded an advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, registering their details with the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria to facilitate their safe return.
Minister Ablakwa emphasised that the state remains committed to the protection of its nationals regardless of their geographical location. He noted that the welfare of Ghanaians abroad is a priority for the current administration, and the government is working closely with diplomatic channels to ensure the process is conducted smoothly.
This diplomatic intervention serves as a direct response to the escalating insecurity faced by the Ghanaian community in South Africa.
While the timeline for the arrival of the first flight is being finalised, the Ministry continues to monitor the situation on the ground to provide further assistance to any citizens who may still be in harm’s way.
