The Government of Ghana has evacuated 41 more Ghanaians from South Africa, as efforts continue to bring home citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and insecurity targeting foreign nationals.
The latest evacuation forms part of the government’s ongoing repatriation exercise aimed at assisting Ghanaians who have expressed concerns about their safety and voluntarily registered to return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the latest development, adding to the growing number of Ghanaian nationals who have been assisted to leave South Africa since the evacuation exercise began.
Ghana continues evacuation of citizens from South Africa
The evacuation programme follows renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of South Africa.
In response, the Ghanaian government has been coordinating with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and South African authorities to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens.
The first phase of the exercise saw 926 Ghanaians evacuated on government-chartered flights during May and June 2026. A second phase subsequently targeted about 1,000 additional Ghanaians who had voluntarily registered for government assistance to return home.
The government has continued the exercise in batches, with additional evacuees being transported to Ghana as logistical arrangements are completed.
Over 1,600 Ghanaians evacuated
The latest development comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed in August that more than 1,600 Ghanaians had been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026, with the repatriation exercise still ongoing.
The government has also provided support to returning citizens, including reintegration assistance, transport fares and other relief items to help them settle after arriving in Ghana.
The first batch of 300 evacuees arrived in Ghana on May 27, 2026, following the government’s decision to assist Ghanaians affected by the escalating xenophobic attacks.
Government assures Ghanaians of continued support
The evacuation programme underscores the government’s stated commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad, particularly those caught up in emergencies or situations that pose risks to their safety.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously maintained that Ghana is financing the evacuation exercise itself and has not sought financial assistance from the South African government for the repatriation.
According to figures released by the Ministry, the first phase involving 926 evacuees cost the government approximately GH¢5.1 million, while the second phase involving another 1,000 returnees was estimated at GH¢5.5 million.
The continued arrival of Ghanaian returnees is expected to keep the focus on the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa, while the government works to complete the ongoing repatriation exercise.
For the latest developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to continue providing updates on subsequent evacuation arrangements and assistance available to affected Ghanaian citizens.
