Ablakwa urges South Africa to ‘do better’ as xenophobic attacks tarnish Africa’s image

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the South African government to intensify efforts to end the ongoing wave of xenophobic attacks, warning that the violence is tarnishing Africa's international image and undermining the continent's unity.

Speaking during a ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday, July 27, 2026, to welcome another group of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa, the Minister said Ghana would continue to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels while expecting stronger measures to protect foreign nationals living in the country.

"We will continue to hold talks with the South African authorities to ease tension. We also hope that they will do better to remedy the situation," Mr. Ablakwa said.

He added that the continued attacks against foreign nationals project a negative image of Africa to the rest of the world.

"This whole xenophobic attacks cast a very bad image of our continent," he stated.

The latest batch of approximately 150 Ghanaian evacuees arrived safely in Accra aboard the third evacuation flight organized by the Government of Ghana.

The returnees form part of an ongoing emergency evacuation programme launched in response to weeks of anti-migrant violence in parts of South Africa.

Government officials say the next phase of the operation is expected to facilitate the voluntary return of about 1,000 additional Ghanaians who have registered for evacuation.

Priority is being given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, elderly persons, students, and individuals with medical conditions.

The latest arrivals increase the number of Ghanaians safely repatriated since the emergency operation began, as government continues efforts to assist citizens affected by the unrest.

During the reception ceremony, the returnees and government officials observed a minute's silence in memory of two Ghanaian nationals who lost their lives during the xenophobic attacks.

Mr. Ablakwa expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured all affected citizens that the government remains committed to supporting them throughout the crisis.

"You have never been orphaned," he told the returnees.

He added that President John Dramani Mahama has consistently directed government institutions to ensure that no Ghanaian is abandoned during times of distress.

"Our President does not compromise when it comes to the safety and welfare of Ghanaians," the Minister said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister assured the returnees that the assistance package provided to earlier evacuees would remain unchanged.

He said government would continue providing travel allowances, reintegration support, and other welfare assistance to every Ghanaian returning from South Africa.

"As we did for your compatriots who came earlier, we're going to do the same. Travel allowances, reintegration allowances—we're not amending, not reducing, not changing because you're all valuable Ghanaians who we adore and cherish so much," he stated.

Beyond immediate financial assistance, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that government agencies are working on long-term reintegration programmes designed to help returnees rebuild their lives.

According to him, authorities are compiling a comprehensive database of all returnees to facilitate employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and other economic empowerment initiatives.

"We're also following through to make sure that your reintegration in Ghana is complete. We're compiling your database, and some have already secured jobs," he revealed.

The government says the reintegration programme is intended to ensure that returning citizens can successfully transition back into life in Ghana after leaving South Africa.

Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the xenophobic attacks high on its agenda while continuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities.

He also assured returnees that government would pursue compensation for businesses and properties abandoned during the violence.

"We're going to ensure that your properties left back are safe and you're well compensated. The government is not going to abandon you in this moment of distress," he said.

The Minister rejected narratives linking Ghanaian nationals to criminal activities in South Africa, revealing that all evacuees underwent screening before returning home.

According to him, none of the Ghanaian returnees was found to be on any criminal or wanted list maintained by South African authorities.

"Not a single Ghanaian is a criminal or on a wanted list in South Africa after their screening. This shows you're all law-abiding citizens," he said.

Mr. Ablakwa also emphasized that the actions of those involved in the attacks should not be interpreted as representing the views of the majority of South Africans.

"I want to believe that really the majority of South Africans do not endorse what a few are doing," he added.

The evacuation exercise follows weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations and xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, where some vigilante groups have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs and contributing to crime.

While South African authorities have reported fewer fatalities, the Government of Ghana has confirmed that two Ghanaian nationals lost their lives during the violence.

Government estimates indicate that more than 900 Ghanaians have already been evacuated during the earlier phases of the operation, with additional flights expected to continue as more citizens voluntarily register to return home.

Returnees are receiving a comprehensive reintegration package that includes direct financial assistance, reintegration allowances, relief items from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), free healthcare enrollment, psychological counseling, employment support, and government efforts to secure compensation for businesses and properties left behind in South Africa.

The government says it remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity, and rights of Ghanaian citizens abroad while continuing diplomatic efforts to ensure their safety and seek lasting solutions to the ongoing crisis.