- Ghana's Foreign Ministry has detailed its plans to evacuate citizens from South Africa amid rising tensions
- The Government of Ghana has expressed concern about xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant violence.
- Social media users praised Ghana's plans for its citizens and while some praised it, others were skeptical that they would leave Ghana
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, A news in brief Journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political scene, crime and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
Ghana – Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ghana MFA) has moved forward with plans to evacuate its citizens from South Africa.
ghana Following the recent protests against illegal immigrants in South Africa, the MFA has now released full details of when the first 300 citizens will be deported. Plans originally discussed in April 2026, but now it has been finalized.
Ghana has strongly condemned xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, saying it threatens pan-African solidarity.
Government-funded evacuation plans announced
Foreign Affairs of Ghana 18 May 2026 MinisterSamuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that 300 Ghanaians would be evacuated on 21 May 2026. The minister informed that a chartered flight funded by the government will depart from OR Tambo International Airport at 5 am with the citizens.
“The welfare and safety of all Ghanaians is an indispensable priority of the Mahama administration,” Abalakwa said.
Ghana took action against South Africa
The planned evacuation is the latest action taken by Ghana in response to tensions in South Africa.
Ghana had earlier summoned the acting High Commissioner to South Africa over videos that depicted harassment and intimidation of Ghanaian citizens and other African expatriates. Ghanaians also took to the streets in their country Protest against illegal immigration.
The country also formally requested that xenophobic attacks in South Africa be placed on the agenda of the African Union (AU) mid-year coordination summit. It called on the AU to monitor, investigate root causes and dialogue on migration/coexistence.
Source: Getty Images
Social media users reacting to the withdrawal
Social media took issue with Ghana's evacuation plans, with some criticizing the actions and others praising them.
@AubeyKhumalo2 said:
“Ghana, stop being dramatic. Your citizens overstay their visas, and you expect us to agree with this nonsense? Honestly, if all Ghanaians left South Africa, I promise no South African would cry for you.”
@Theotagoe28 said:
“Thanks and congratulations to the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Honorable Abalakwa is working like an ordinary man in the Ministry. A very efficient, effective and hardworking Minister. Again, the main point of TV3 is the program delivering results.”
@KuGompo claimed:
“Ghanaians are very desperate to get involved, and we are blue-ticking them. Let's see how many people will take up the offer. Those who go, they know they will never come back to South Africa again. Ghanaians know exactly what is happening in South Africa, so they will not go.”
@OppositionOppos added:
“You helped them because they were illegal and they were afraid of going to jail because their papers weren't in order if they tried to go. So, keep sending these planes.”
@SiphosethuNtul1 said:
“After all, home is where the heart is. Well done, Ghana. Now patiently waiting for Pakistan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi and all other countries to follow. Let's build one Africa while we are all in our own countries.”
@LungeloMotsopa said:
“I love Ghana for this. Hate it when you lie, but I will appreciate you for your pride.”
@SelBoyT said:
“Thank you very much, Ghana.”
@mmboneni3 claimed:
“The plane is about to empty.”
South Africans applaud Ghanaians
news in brief A Ghanaian citizen was reported to have taken to social media to praise South African authorities for the clean-up campaign johannesburg.
Social media users said that while there are allegations of xenophobia, South African authorities are targeting illegal structures.
Social media users appreciated Ghanaian citizens to highlight positive changes in South Africa amid allegations of xenophobia.
Source: News in Brief