President John Dramani Mahama has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The announcement was made today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirming that the evacuation process would be coordinated through Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria.
The latest development follows weeks of growing tensions and anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, including protests organised by the March Organisation over immigration-related grievances. Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had earlier issued a public advisory urging Ghanaians to exercise heightened caution, avoid protest areas and register with the mission for possible emergency assistance. The situation also reignited concerns across Africa after recent xenophobic incidents involving foreign African nationals, including attacks that circulated widely on social media and drew diplomatic attention from several countries.
According to the Foreign Minister, the affected Ghanaians had already complied with the Foreign Ministry’s earlier advisory and formally registered with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria for evacuation and protection.
“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks”,he mentioned.
The evacuation decision is expected to provide immediate relief for distressed Ghanaian nationals who have expressed fears over their safety amid the escalating tensions.
The latest intervention also comes days after Ghana formally petitioned the African Union to place the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of its upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Egypt, describing the situation as a threat to African solidarity, integration and continental unity.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,” the Foreign Minister stated.
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