First Ghanaians set to be repatriated from South Africa over anti-immigrant protests

Government authorities have begun repatriating the first group of Ghanaian citizens from South Africa amid growing concerns over renewed anti-immigrant protests and fears of possible xenophobic violence.

The first batch of evacuees is expected to depart from Johannesburg on Wednesday morning after registering with Ghanaian authorities for assisted return to Ghana.

According to reports, dozens of buses arranged by the Ghanaian embassy transported passengers to OR Tambo International Airport around 03:00 local time on Wednesday.

The passengers included men, women, and children of different age groups, while a smaller group arrived separately under police supervision.

Ghanaian officials indicated that an initial group of approximately 300 people would leave on the first flight, while the remaining registered citizens continue undergoing screening and verification processes before later departures.

Authorities say about 800 Ghanaians have so far registered for evacuation following recent anti-immigration demonstrations across parts of South Africa.

Few of the evacuees agreed to speak publicly, but one Ghanaian resident identified as Rudolph, who has lived in South Africa for a decade operating a salon business, said growing insecurity and fear prompted his decision to return home.

“It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” he said.

The repatriation exercise follows weeks of demonstrations in several South African cities over illegal immigration.

Protesters claim undocumented migrants are placing pressure on public services and have called on authorities to tighten immigration enforcement.

The protests have reportedly been organised by a group known as March and March, which describes itself as a citizen-led movement advocating immigration reform.

The group has reportedly issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, raising fears among foreign nationals of potential violence if tensions escalate further.

“The protests started in Durban, and they’ve escalated to other provinces. So definitely something bad could happen,” Rudolph stated, adding that he does not intend to return to South Africa.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the Ghanaian government decided to act after concerns were raised by citizens who felt unsafe and economically affected by the recent protests.

“The Ghanaian government listened to the plight of its citizens in South Africa, who felt that their lives were in danger, who felt like the economic activity that they were engaging in had come to a standstill, who felt unwelcome in this country,” he said.

He stressed that protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad remains a key responsibility of government.

Mr Quashie also disclosed that Ghana has developed reintegration plans for returning citizens to help them resettle and rebuild their livelihoods back home.

“The government is willing to establish them in whatever business they were doing in South Africa,” he explained.

He added that the repatriation process would also help address concerns surrounding undocumented migration.

“In a way, we’re also helping the South African economy, because it’s clear that some of them are undocumented. So taking them out of here will let them know that we are not people who condone undocumented people in countries,” he said.

South Africa has previously experienced violent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

In 2019, at least 12 people were killed during anti-foreigner violence, while 62 foreign nationals died in widespread attacks in 2008.

Although organisers of the latest protests insist the demonstrations have remained peaceful, concerns persist over the possibility of renewed violence ahead of South Africa’s local elections scheduled for November.

Earlier this month, the South African government condemned criminal acts targeting foreigners while acknowledging ongoing challenges relating to illegal immigration.

There are currently an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians living in South Africa.