Ghana Delays Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa Amid Logistical Hurdles
On Friday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the evacuation of hundreds of its nationals living in South Africa would be postponed for several days due to unforeseen logistical challenges. The decision came after more than 800 Ghanaians had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance to return home amid a surge of anti‑immigrant protests.
Background: Rising Xenophobic Tensions
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, but recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in street demonstrations calling for the immediate deportation of undocumented foreigners. A widely circulated video showed a crowd confronting a Ghanaian man, demanding to see his identification papers and then questioning their authenticity—a scene that underscored the growing hostility faced by many African migrants.
According to the Reuters report dated 20 September 2024, protests have erupted in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with participants chanting slogans such as “Foreigners go home.” The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) noted that the demonstrations were fueled by perceptions of job competition and strained public services.
Official Response and Coordination
Ghanaian authorities said the initial plan to fly out the first group of 300 citizens on Thursday was halted after officials realised that the sheer volume of registrations required additional preparation.
- Passenger screening: All evacuees must undergo health and security checks in line with both Ghanaian and South African aviation regulations.
- Inter‑agency coordination: The Ghana High Commission, South African Department of Home Affairs, and airlines are working together to finalise manifests and secure landing slots.
- Flight permits: Clearance from the South African Civil Aviation Authority is pending, delaying the scheduled departure.
In a joint statement, the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DIRCO affirmed that both governments are committed to “expediting the process while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.” DIRCO’s press release emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to address irregular migration and protect the rights of all residents.
Support Measures for Returnees
Recognising the psychological and economic toll of displacement, the Ghanaian government has pledged a comprehensive reintegration package for those evacuated. The package includes:
- A one‑time cash grant to cover immediate travel and settlement costs.
- Access to psychosocial counselling services through the Ministry of Health.
- Job‑placement assistance via the National Youth Employment Programme.
These measures aim to mitigate the risk of re‑migration and support long‑term stability for returnees, a point highlighted by migration expert Dr. Ama Mensah of the University of Ghana in an interview with BBC Africa.
Looking Ahead
While the delay poses inconvenience for those eager to leave, officials stress that safety and regulatory compliance remain paramount. Both governments continue to monitor the situation on the ground and have urged calm among affected communities. As the logistical issues are resolved, the evacuation is expected to resume within the coming days, with subsequent flights planned to accommodate the remaining registered individuals.
For the latest updates, readers can follow the official channels of the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
