The Government of Ghana has announced the resumption of a major evacuation exercise to bring home Ghanaians stranded in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting migrants.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the government said the next phase of the evacuation operation will begin on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with about 1,000 Ghanaians expected to be flown home in batches.
According to the Ministry, the first evacuation flights are scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, 2026. The exercise will initially cater for Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and have voluntarily requested government assistance to return home.
The Ministry said priority would be given to women, children, the elderly, students, and persons with medical conditions as part of the humanitarian operation. Ghanaians still in distress have been urged to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for assistance with travel arrangements.
The government also expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for providing free shelter to displaced Ghanaians who fled their homes during the attacks while awaiting evacuation.
The Ministry noted that the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has reactivated its emergency consular response to support affected nationals and ensure the safe return of Ghanaians wishing to leave South Africa.
While urging Ghanaians to remain calm, avoid areas experiencing unrest, and cooperate with officials, the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
“Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the statement stressed.
Story By: Eric Boateng
