Ghana: The Government of the Republic of Ghana on Sunday, 26th July 2026, commenced the second phase of repatriation of Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa. So far, 180 Ghanaians have arrived in Accra. The remaining 36 evacuees are expected to arrive on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, completing the 216 out of the estimated 1000 who voluntarily registered to return home with government assistance.
According to African Press Organization, the Government had earlier evacuated 926 citizens on chartered flights in May and June 2026. Welcoming the evacuees, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), conveyed warm felicitations from the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and assured them of the Government's unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and safety of all Ghanaian nationals globally. He emphasized that no Ghanaian would be abandoned in times of distress and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring their successful reintegration into society.
Hon. Ablakwa led a minute's silence in remembrance of the two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and reiterated calls for justice. He assured the evacuees that the government would continue to engage South African authorities to ensure thorough investigations and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable.
He explained that the current exercise forms part of the second phase of the government's evacuation program following the successful evacuation of over 900 citizens during the initial phase. He expressed appreciation to The Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for providing shelter to Ghanaians who had fled their homes while awaiting evacuation, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity.
The Minister assured the evacuees that they would receive the same travel and reintegration support packages provided during the first phase of the evacuation exercise. He disclosed that the government was working with public institutions and the private sector to facilitate employment opportunities and other livelihood support initiatives to ensure their successful reintegration. He added that the government would continue to engage the South African authorities and pursue the necessary legal processes to safeguard the interests of Ghanaians who lost properties and businesses during the attacks.
Hon. Ablakwa also commended the evacuees for their conduct while living in South Africa, noting that they had undergone the necessary security screening by the South African authorities prior to their departure. He said their conduct reflected positively on Ghana and demonstrated that Ghanaian nationals upheld the laws of their host country.
On his part, the Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in charge of Livelihood and Community Empowerment, Mr. Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, welcomed the evacuees home and assured them of the government's commitment to supporting their successful reintegration into their families and communities. He reaffirmed NADMO's readiness to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the returnees receive the necessary support as they rebuild their lives in Ghana.
The evacuees expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for facilitating their safe return and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the country's development as they begin a new chapter at home.