The Government of Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Republic of South Africa following a reported rise in xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants and businesses in parts of the country.
In a statement issued in Accra on June 1, 2026, the Mahama Administration expressed grave concern over what it described as increasing attacks by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes, resulting in injuries, looting, destruction of property, and the takeover and closure of businesses owned by African nationals.
The advisory comes on the heels of a fresh wave of attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, popularly known as the Rainbow Nation, which has compelled the Government of Ghana to begin evacuating affected citizens from the country.
The ongoing evacuation exercise is aimed at bringing home Ghanaians who have reportedly been targeted by groups accusing foreign nationals of being illegal immigrants and taking employment opportunities that should be reserved for indigenous South Africans.
The incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of African migrants living and working in South Africa and rekindled debates over immigration and economic competition in the country.
According to the government, the attacks have created an unsafe environment for many African migrants, prompting Ghana to activate diplomatic and consular measures aimed at protecting its citizens.
The statement disclosed that Ghana has formally protested the incidents through diplomatic channels, including summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra and petitioning the African Union over the developments.
Government also revealed that it has commenced the evacuation of affected Ghanaian nationals from South Africa as part of efforts to guarantee their safety.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances, Ghanaian nationals are advised to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the statement said.
Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have also been urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance and updates on evacuation arrangements.
The government assured that it would continue working closely with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ghanaian nationals and ensure their welfare during the ongoing crisis.
While reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, the statement called on the South African government to take urgent measures to restore law and order and provide adequate security for African nationals who have become targets of the attacks.
The government further appealed to South African authorities to uphold the principles of Pan-Africanism and African integration by ensuring that foreign African communities living within its borders are protected from violence and intimidation.
The latest advisory marks one of the strongest responses by Ghana to renewed anti-immigrant violence in South Africa and underscores growing concerns across the continent over the safety of African migrants living and working in the country.
