The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samual Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a temporary postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa (SA) following the recent xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.
In a May 21, 2026, statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities disclosed that the evacuation exercise, originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 21, has been deferred for a few days to allow officials to complete critical logistical and legal requirements for the operation.
According to the ministry, more than 800 Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, expressing their desire to return home due to fears over the latest wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The ministry explained that the scale of the evacuation operation, coupled with South African legal and aviation requirements, has necessitated a brief delay to ensure that all conditions are met before flights can commence.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21st May, 2026.
The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” the statement said.
Evacuation approved
The government, on 12 May 2026, approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had granted presidential approval for the evacuation exercise as part of efforts to protect affected Ghanaian nationals.
According to the minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier responded to an advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible evacuation.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Ablakwa said in a Facebook post.
“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians, at home and abroad,” he stated.
The evacuation decision comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals and businesses owned by other African migrants, including Ghanaians, have periodically come under attack.
Full statement
Below is the full statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on 21 May 2026.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide an update on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to commence today, 21s May, 2026.
The Government of Ghana notes that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with our High Commission in Pretoria seeking to be evacuated due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks
Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal requirements, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these conditions.
Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre- evacuation modalities to expedite the process
Meanwhile, senior government officials on both sides remain actively engaged in this important exercise.
The Government of Ghana assures its nationals in South Africa that it is making every effort to ensure their safe return home. We commend them for their remarkable understanding and patience.
We shall continue to keep the public apprised in a transparent and timely manner consistent with our good govern
