The Government of Ghana has begun the second phase of evacuating Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with 180 evacuees arriving safely in Accra on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the remaining 36 evacuees are expected to arrive on Tuesday, July 28, bringing the total number of returnees in this phase to 216. The group forms part of about 1,000 Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to return home with government support.
The latest exercise follows the evacuation of 926 Ghanaians during the first phase 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 Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and safety of all Ghanaian nationals across the globe.
He emphasised that no Ghanaian would be abandoned in times of distress and reaffirmed 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 government would continue to engage the 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 government’s evacuation programme 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 remarkable 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 further disclosed that 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 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 exemplary conduct while living in South Africa, noting that they had successfully 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 continued to uphold 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 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.