The Government of Ghana has postponed the evacuation of more than 800 Ghanaians stranded in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, citing logistical and legal challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the evacuation exercise, which was scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, had been deferred by a few days to allow Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to satisfy mandatory South African evacuation requirements.
According to the Ministry, the postponement became necessary because of the large number of evacuees involved and the stringent procedures required by South African authorities before clearance could be granted.
The statement explained that mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and the processing of flight permits were among the critical conditions delaying the operation.
“The planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission meet these evacuation conditions,” the Ministry stated.
Government disclosed that more than 800 Ghanaians had so far registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation assistance amid the latest wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The Ministry said Ghanaian and South African authorities had since agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation arrangements aimed at expediting the process and ensuring a smooth evacuation exercise.
It further revealed that senior government officials from both countries remained actively engaged in efforts to facilitate the safe return of affected Ghanaian nationals.
Despite the postponement, the Government assured Ghanaians in South Africa that every effort was being made to guarantee their safety and eventual return home.
“The Government of Ghana assures our nationals in South Africa that best efforts are being pursued to ensure their safe return home,” the statement emphasised.
The Ministry also praised the affected Ghanaians for their patience and understanding as authorities work through the operational requirements.
Government pledged to continue updating the public on developments surrounding the evacuation exercise in a transparent and timely manner.
The postponement comes against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced violent attacks and intimidation.
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