South Africa: First batch of Ghanaians set to arrive on Wednesday – Ghana’s envoy confirms

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, says the first group of Ghanaians being evacuated amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa is expected to arrive in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Speaking in an interview with DW Africa on Sunday, May 24, Mr. Quashie said Ghanaian authorities are working closely with South African officials to finalise screening and verification processes ahead of the evacuation exercise.

The development follows growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa after fresh reports of xenophobic attacks and rising tensions targeting migrants and African nationals.

According to the High Commissioner, officials are working “around the clock” to ensure a smooth, safe, and coordinated return process for affected Ghanaians.

“We are screening them, and once we are done, we will let them know the number of people who will be going to Ghana,” he stated.

Mr. Quashie disclosed that between 200 and 300 Ghanaians are expected to form part of the first batch of evacuees returning home.

He explained that South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is collaborating with Ghanaian authorities to complete the final administrative arrangements before departure.

“Home Affairs will set up at 10 am today for them to be able to leave on Wednesday at 6 am for Ghana,” he said.

The evacuation exercise was initially expected to begin on May 21, but authorities postponed the operation after a higher-than-anticipated number of Ghanaians registered to return home due to escalating safety concerns.

The Ghana High Commissioner further revealed that the evacuation process will continue beyond the first flight, with additional flights already planned to bring back more Ghanaian nationals stranded in South Africa.

According to him, the first aircraft is expected to carry about 300 passengers, while two additional flights will be arranged in the coming days.

“The first group has an aircraft that will take 300, and after a few days, we will take another 300, and then there will be a third flight with another 300 to ensure that we get everyone home,” he explained.

Authorities say the phased evacuation strategy is intended to guarantee safety, orderliness, and proper coordination throughout the exercise.

The latest evacuation effort comes amid renewed fears over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced attacks, intimidation, and threats in some communities.

Over the years, several African migrants, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and Ethiopians, have been affected by outbreaks of xenophobic violence linked to unemployment, crime, and economic frustrations.

Ghanaian authorities have urged citizens in South Africa to remain calm, cooperate with officials, and follow safety directives as evacuation efforts continue.

The government is also expected to provide support for returnees arriving in Ghana as part of measures to ensure their safe reintegration.