The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of a Ghanaian evacuee hours after arriving in Accra from South Africa on Friday.
The evacuee was among a batch of 50 Ghanaians who arrived aboard an Air Tanzania flight at the Accra International Airport at about 5:50 p.m. on August 14, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the evacuee’s condition deteriorated about 30 minutes before the aircraft touched down, prompting an emergency response by a medical team that was on standby at the airport.
Despite efforts to provide medical attention, the evacuee was pronounced dead at about 6:55 p.m., barely an hour after arriving at the airport’s emergency medical reception facility.
“The medical emergency team that was on standby at the airport to receive him attended to him upon arrival. Regrettably, the deceased passed away and was confirmed dead by doctors at 6:55 p.m. after all attempts failed,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry stated that it was undertaking formalities to notify the deceased’s family and had arranged for the mortal remains to be deposited at the Police Hospital for an autopsy. The immediate cause of death has not been disclosed.
The death comes as Ghana continues its evacuation and repatriation of nationals affected by the recent wave of anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa.
By late July, Ghana had evacuated more than 1,000 nationals from South Africa. The first phase saw 926 Ghanaians return on three chartered flights on May 27, June 6 and June 7, while a second phase, using commercial flights, began on July 26.
The latest exercise is taking place against the backdrop of South Africa’s efforts to recover the cost of repatriating undocumented foreign nationals. South African authorities say they have spent nearly US$18 million on repatriation-related expenses, including transportation, temporary accommodation and staffing, and are seeking reimbursement from some African countries. Ghana, however, is not among the countries identified in current reports as being asked to reimburse the costs.
Ghana’s evacuation programme has been undertaken in response to renewed anti-foreigner attacks and insecurity affecting Ghanaian communities in South Africa. The government has also introduced a reintegration package for returnees, including financial assistance, healthcare and support for employment and other livelihood opportunities.
The Ministry has not yet disclosed further details about the deceased pending notification of the family and the outcome of the autopsy.
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