Registration of Ghanaians for evacuation from South Africa suspended - Ghana's High Commission in SA

The High Commission of Ghana in South Africa has temporarily suspended new registrations for Ghanaians seeking voluntary evacuation and repatriation to Ghana as authorities work to process a large number of applications already received.

In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, the High Commission announced that the suspension would take effect from June 2, 2026, to allow officials adequate time to verify and screen applications submitted under the ongoing repatriation programme.

According to the High Commission, more than 1,500 Ghanaians residing in South Africa have so far registered for the exercise, prompting the need for a temporary pause in new applications.

“The temporary suspension is to enable the High Commission and the Department of Home Affairs to process and screen the large number of applications already received,” the statement explained.

Officials indicated that the verification and processing of applications are currently underway to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated repatriation exercise.

Despite the suspension, the High Commission assured Ghanaians who have not yet registered that the voluntary repatriation programme remains active and has not been terminated.

“The date for the next phase of registration will be communicated in due course,” the statement noted, adding that interested applicants will have another opportunity to register once processing of the current applications is completed.

The High Commission also expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian community in South Africa for its patience, cooperation and understanding throughout the exercise.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that arrangements are nearly complete for the return of a second batch of Ghanaian evacuees.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Ghana Investment Summit in the United Kingdom, Mr. Ablakwa said the government is currently awaiting a flight landing permit from South African authorities before the chartered evacuation flight can proceed.

“All set, but we are just waiting for the South African authorities to work on the flight landing permit,” he stated.

The repatriation initiative forms part of the government's efforts to support Ghanaian nationals abroad who wish to voluntarily return home amid ongoing challenges affecting sections of the Ghanaian community in South Africa.