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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa engagements with Ghanaians in South Africa
The Government of Ghana will resume the next phase of evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa starting Sunday, July 26, 2026, following renewed xenophobic attacks against migrants in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a press release issued in Accra on July 25, 2026, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirming that approximately 1,000 Ghanaians would be brought home in this latest phase.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public, and Ghanaians resident in South Africa in particular, of the Government of Ghana’s decision to resume the next phase of evacuations of Ghanaians in South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks against migrants in that country”.Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
The Ministry confirmed that the latest phase would cover about 1,000 Ghanaians, with evacuations carried out in groups and the first flights scheduled to arrive in Accra over two consecutive days.
Evacuation Begins With Registered Ghanaians
The Ministry explained that the evacuation process would prioritise those who have already taken the necessary preliminary steps with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
Beyond this initial group, the Ministry outlined specific categories of people who would receive priority treatment throughout the evacuation process, consistent with government’s established policy for such operations.
“Consistent with our policy, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students. Distressed Ghanaians in South Africa are requested to contact the High Commission on telephone number 0723681010 for further inquiries and assistance on travel arrangements.”Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
Gratitude Extended to Church and Business Community
The Ministry expressed appreciation to specific organisations in South Africa that provided shelter to displaced Ghanaians during the period leading up to the evacuation, highlighting their contribution to supporting citizens affected by the unrest.
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“The Government of Ghana hereby conveys special heartfelt appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, and Global Kingdom Investment Pty Ltd, for generously allowing their premises to be used as shelters for many weeks, free of charge, for our compatriots who fled their homes awaiting processing by our High Commission.”Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
Foreign Minister Hon. Ablakwa echoed this appreciation directly in his own remarks on the development, specifically acknowledging the Pentecost Church’s role in supporting affected citizens.
“We wish to convey heartfelt appreciation to the Pentecost Church in Pretoria and Johannesburg for offering their premises as shelter for Ghanaians who fled their homes awaiting evacuation,”.Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
Emergency Consular Response Reactivated
According to the Ministry, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has stepped up its operational readiness to manage the evacuation process and provide ongoing support to citizens still awaiting return.
The Ministry issued specific guidance to Ghanaians currently in South Africa, urging caution and full cooperation with High Commission officials to ensure the evacuation proceeds smoothly, drawing on lessons from the earlier phase of the operation.
Government Pledges No Citizen Left Behind
The Ministry closed its statement with a firm assurance regarding the government’s commitment to the safety of all Ghanaian citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa. “Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the statement said.
Minister Ablakwa reinforced this pledge in his own remarks, framing the evacuation effort as a matter of national duty. “Government assures that no Ghanaian would be abandoned in harm’s way. For God and Country,” he said.
A Continuing Response to Regional Instability
This latest evacuation phase follows an earlier round of returns already carried out amid the ongoing xenophobic violence affecting migrant communities in South Africa, reflecting a sustained government effort to protect Ghanaian citizens caught in the unrest.
With approximately 1,000 additional citizens expected to return home over the coming days, the operation underscores the scale of displacement affecting Ghanaians in South Africa and the continued strain the crisis has placed on Ghana’s diplomatic and consular resources in the region.
As flights begin arriving in Accra from July 26, attention will likely turn to how quickly government can process and support returning citizens, as well as whether further phases of evacuation will be required should the situation in South Africa continue to deteriorate.
