A Ghanaian national evacuated from South Africa has died shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport as part of the government-led repatriation exercise for citizens affected by insecurity and xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death, explaining that the deceased’s health began to deteriorate about 30 minutes before the flight was due to land in Accra.
According to the Ministry, a medical team was already on standby at the airport to attend to the evacuee immediately upon arrival.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save the individual, the evacuee unfortunately died shortly after the aircraft landed at the Accra International Airport.
Ministry begins arrangements to inform family
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has commenced the necessary formalities to officially inform the deceased’s family about the development.
It has also arranged for the remains to be deposited appropriately as the relevant procedures are undertaken.
The Ministry did not, in its statement, disclose the identity of the deceased or provide further details about the medical condition that led to the death.
Ghana’s evacuation exercise
The death comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s government-led evacuation of nationals from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, anti-foreigner sentiments and insecurity affecting migrant communities in parts of the country.
Ghana began the evacuation exercise in May 2026, with the first batch of about 300 Ghanaian nationals arriving at the Accra International Airport on May 27. Government officials said the exercise was intended to help protect Ghanaians who felt unsafe and wanted to return home.
The evacuation involved cooperation among Ghanaian and South African authorities, with health, immigration, security and disaster-management officials involved in the reception and reintegration of returnees.
During the exercise, Ghanaian authorities also arranged health and psychosocial support for returnees who had experienced difficult or traumatic circumstances in South Africa.
Government response to South Africa attacks
The government has maintained that its responsibility extends beyond bringing affected citizens home and includes helping them rebuild their lives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously announced that the government would pursue legal and diplomatic avenues to seek compensation for Ghanaians who lost businesses, properties and other investments during the attacks.
The government also indicated that reintegration support, healthcare assistance and employment opportunities would be made available to returning Ghanaians.
The latest death adds a tragic dimension to the ongoing evacuation effort, which was initiated to provide protection and assistance to Ghanaian nationals caught up in the difficult security situation in South Africa.
Authorities are expected to provide further information on the circumstances surrounding the death if additional details become available.
