The first batch of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa is expected to arrive in Accra tomorrow, Wednesday, May 26, 2026, following attacks on them and other Africans in the country.
Another batch of the evacuees will also be arriving on Friday, May 29, 2026, as arrangements for their repatriation near completion.
The rescheduled evacuation would see 300 Ghanaians residing in South Africa flown on board a government-chartered flight from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said earlier that logistical and permit issues had delayed the exercise, but arrangements were being finalised for the evacuation.
Currently, the Ghanaian High Commission is screening over 800 Ghanaians who have registered to be repatriated from South Africa, following heightened xenophobic attacks meted out to other Africans by black South Africans.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, flew to South Africa to engage the evacuees last Friday, May 22, 2026, to assess the situation.
Mr Ablakwa assured Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa that they would receive full support for safe return and reintegration, as part of efforts to protect citizens facing xenophobic attacks.
He said the move reflected President John Mahama’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians abroad.
He conveyed a direct message from the President to the evacuees, saying the government would not rest until all Ghanaians in South Africa were safe and taken out of harm’s way.
“President Mahama wants me to assure all of you that this is not just going to be an evacuation and everything that has to be done for you to be fully reintegrated and supported to be fit back home again,” he added.
He said that the reintegration plan would cover assistance with resettlement and support to help returnees rebuild their lives in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Government has announced a package for the evacuees once they return.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa: Gov’t announces support package for Ghanaian evacuees
