Ghana Repatriates First Batch of Citizens From South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks

Ghana has repatriated its first batch of citizens from South Africa following weeks of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting African immigrants.

A flight carrying nearly 300 Ghanaians departed South Africa early Wednesday and is expected to arrive in Ghana later in the day. Reports indicate that about 800 Ghanaian nationals registered for repatriation.

The evacuation comes amid rising xenophobic tensions that erupted last month after viral videos on social media showed South Africans confronting and allegedly assaulting African immigrants.

South African Authorities Cite Immigration Violations

Speaking on the evacuation, South Africa’s Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head, Stephen van Neel, said only 10 of the nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals who departed were legally residing in the country.

According to him, authorities discovered widespread immigration violations among the group, adding that many were undocumented, had overstayed their permits, or failed to comply with immigration regulations.

Van Neel stated that the Department of Home Affairs would apply the necessary sanctions against affected individuals.

Men, women, and children were among those transported by bus to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport ahead of the evacuation flight.

Some individuals were reportedly unable to board due to documentation issues and are expected to be considered for a second repatriation flight later this week.

Ghana Assures Support for Returnees

The xenophobic tensions gained international attention after several videos surfaced online showing hostility toward African migrants living in South Africa.

In one of the videos, a group of South Africans confronted a Ghanaian man over his decision to relocate to the country, while another clip reportedly showed a Ghanaian being assaulted.

Reacting to the incidents, Samuel Ablakwa summoned Thando Dalamba to express Ghana’s concerns over the alleged intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals.

Addressing the evacuees before departure, Ablakwa said arrangements had been made for their reception in Ghana, including a five-point government support package.

“You are not refugees, you are not some destitute. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own,” he told the returnees.

The minister said the evacuation exercise demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and responding swiftly during emergencies.

Nigerians Yet to Be Repatriated

Nigerians were also among those affected by the xenophobic violence in South Africa.

According to the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg, at least two Nigerians were killed during the unrest.

Earlier this month, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that evacuation flights be arranged for Nigerians willing to return home.

The President of the Nigerian community in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu, said more than 130 Nigerians had voluntarily registered for repatriation.

However, details regarding evacuation flights for Nigerians have not yet been announced. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an update on the situation would be provided next week.