Over 1,500 Ghanaians Register for Repatriation as South Africa Xenophobia Worsens

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has temporarily suspended new registrations for its voluntary repatriation programme, citing an overwhelming surge in applications from Ghanaian nationals seeking to leave South Africa.

The suspension took effect on 2 June 2026, following an official announcement issued by the diplomatic mission on 1 June. The High Commission confirmed that over 1,500 Ghanaians have registered for repatriation, and the verification and processing of these applications is currently underway. According to the Commission, the temporary pause in new registrations is intended to allow authorities to process and screen the large volume of existing applications in collaboration with South African Home Affairs officials.

The development follows a sharp escalation of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where anti‑immigrant vigilante groups have intensified attacks on foreign nationals. The violence has resulted in injuries, the closure and looting of businesses, and the destruction of property. According to President John Mahama, the situation escalated to the point where nearly 200 Ghanaians sought refuge at Ghana’s embassy for safety. Speaking at Chatham House in London, President Mahama criticised the response of South African authorities, stating that their actions appeared insufficient in protecting affected foreign nationals. He also described an environment where foreigners were even denied access to healthcare facilities, forcing Ghana to step in and organise evacuation flights.

READ MORE: Ebola Outbreak Forces Cancellation of DR Congo vs Chile Friendly in Spain

The first batch of nearly 300 Ghanaian evacuees arrived in Ghana on 27 May 2026. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that the government is awaiting flight permits from South African authorities to airlift the next batch of registered nationals. He confirmed that the number of Ghanaians seeking evacuation has exceeded 900, with President Mahama directing that no Ghanaian in distress should be left behind.

Ablakwa has also rejected claims that the Ghanaians seeking evacuation are illegal migrants or individuals involved in criminal activities. He explained that documentation submitted by those registered shows that the vast majority are legally resident in South Africa, and that South African authorities have screened applicants against their database without identifying any Ghanaian as a person of interest. Ghana’s government has also issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid non‑essential travel to South Africa until further notice. Diplomatic measures include lodging formal protests, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, and petitioning the African Union.

The High Commission has assured Ghanaians who have not yet registered that the repatriation exercise has not ended. Details of the next registration phase will be communicated in due course. Meanwhile, the second batch of evacuees is scheduled to return home on Sunday, 7 June 2026. Approved evacuees are required to report to the High Commission on the evening of Saturday, 6 June, for verification and pre‑departure briefings. The government has also secured 120 job opportunities for returning citizens to support their reintegration into the local economy.

About The Author

West Africa Weekly

author

See author's posts