Ghana Evacuates 300 Citizens from South Africa Over Xenophobic Incident Concerns

Ghana has announced it is evacuating about 300 citizens from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic incidents and attacks on foreign nationals. The evacuation was approved by President John Dramani Mahama, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The move follows anti-immigrant protests and reports of harassment of African migrants, though South Africa’s government has denied claims of xenophobia, describing the incidents as isolated protests linked to broader social and economic tensions.

Ghana has announced that it is evacuating about 300 of its citizens from South Africa following a recent rise in xenophobic incidents reported across the country. The decision was made after concerns grew over safety risks faced by foreign nationals, including Ghanaians living and working in South Africa.
In a statement shared on X, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the evacuation had been approved by President John Dramani Mahama. He explained that the affected citizens had previously responded to an advisory issued by Ghana’s Foreign Ministry and had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria in anticipation of possible rescue efforts due to what was described as a recent wave of xenophobic attacks.
The minister also assured that the government remains committed to protecting its citizens both within Ghana and abroad, stating that safeguarding their welfare is a top priority. He added that the evacuation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to respond to the safety concerns of Ghanaians living in high-risk environments.
The move follows a series of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, alongside reports and allegations of intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals from other African countries. These developments have raised concern among several governments, including Ghana and Nigeria, which have both expressed worry over the growing tension.
However, the South African government has rejected claims that the situation amounts to xenophobia. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that “South Africans are not xenophobic,” describing the incidents instead as isolated protests that fall within the country’s constitutional rights to peaceful demonstration. He further argued that broader issues such as unemployment, instability, and governance challenges across parts of Africa contribute to migration pressures and social tensions.
Diplomatic tensions have also increased in recent weeks, as Ghana formally summoned South Africa’s high commissioner in Accra to protest against reported attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals. This diplomatic engagement reflects growing concern over the safety of migrants and the need for stronger protection measures.
South Africa remains one of the continent’s largest economies and hosts more than three million foreign nationals, representing just over five percent of its population. Despite its economic position, it continues to face high unemployment levels, estimated at around 30 percent, which has been widely cited as a contributing factor to social tensions involving migrant workers.
Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced several episodes of violent unrest linked to foreign nationals. In 2008, widespread violence resulted in 62 deaths, and further outbreaks occurred in 2015, 2016, and 2019, highlighting the recurring nature of tensions surrounding immigration and economic hardship.