A group of 300 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa has arrived safely in Accra following weeks of growing anti-immigration protests and xenophobic tensions in the country.
The returnees, including women and children, landed in Ghana’s capital on Wednesday as part of a voluntary repatriation programme organised by Ghanaian authorities for citizens who said they no longer felt secure in South Africa.
The evacuations come amid intensified anti-immigrant demonstrations across parts of South Africa, where protesters have demanded stricter action against undocumented migrants, accusing foreigners of contributing to rising crime and unemployment.
Speaking at the airport, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured citizens abroad that the government would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare.
South African officials stated that a large number of those returning had overstayed their visas, while Ghanaian diplomats argued that delays in South Africa’s immigration system had worsened the situation for many migrants seeking permit renewals.
Several evacuees described facing intimidation, harassment and uncertainty during the unrest.
“It has been very difficult living in South Africa in recent weeks,” one returnee said after arriving in Accra.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the repatriation effort was intended to reduce tensions while maintaining strong diplomatic relations between both countries.
Migrant rights organisations have criticised the attacks, arguing that foreign nationals are being unfairly blamed for South Africa’s economic struggles and high unemployment rate.
South African authorities have condemned the violence and pledged action against xenophobic attacks, insisting that such behaviour goes against the country’s democratic values.
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