Ghana has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa following growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Ghana arranges evacuation flights for citizens
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa announced that the first group of 300 Ghanaians will leave South Africa on a special chartered flight on Thursday.
was about to take off from or Tambo International Airport At 05:00.
Officials said the Ghanaian government fully funded the evacuation operation and encouraged citizens needing assistance to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
Ghana expresses concern over attacks on migrants
The withdrawal follows weeks of diplomatic tension between Ghana and South Africa, after Ghana raised concerns with the African Union over repeated xenophobic attacks against African migrants.
Ghana recently called on the AU to formally discuss the violence and explore possible intervention measures.
Concerns were further heightened after a Ghanaian national featured in a widely circulated video linked to recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa returned home safely.
Harold Agyeman, Ghana's coordinating director of political and economic affairs, said the government is deeply concerned about attacks targeting foreign nationals.
“The African continent must be a place of unity and mutual respect,” he said.
Agyeman also revealed that Abalakwa had called on the Acting High Commissioner to South Africa to formally convey Ghana's concerns.
Tensions rise in Ghana as South Africa rejects online claims
In response to the growing diplomatic controversy, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, He said his government has engaged several African countries, including Ghana, to defuse tensions and reassure foreign nationals living in the country.
Lamola said South Africa is committed to the safety of all people living within its borders.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation also rejected online claims alleging that Ghanaian and Nigerian citizens were killed during recent protests and law enforcement operations.
“There is no credible evidence at this stage to reach this conclusion,” the department said.
South Africa urges African cooperation
South Africa said it is committed to Pan-Africanism, Ubuntu and solidarity, highlighting the support given by many African countries during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Lamola urged African countries to use existing diplomatic structures to address migration-related tensions and develop early warning systems before the situation escalates.
The South African government acknowledged that migration pressure, unemployment and frustrations over service delivery were increasing tensions between local and foreign nationals.
According to officials, South Africa hosts an estimated 3 million migrants, the majority of whom come from other African countries.
Immigration policy changes are under review
The government said it was reviewing immigration policies to better manage migration pressures and strengthen border controls.
Officials pointed to measures such as a points-based visa system, upgrades to the national population register and expanded deportation efforts led by the border management authority.
Despite the tensions, South Africa said it was open to dialogue with Ghana and other African states.
“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said.
“Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the security of all who live within our borders.”