Ghana Warns Citizens Over Rising Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Ghana has urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa due to rising xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. The Foreign Ministry said the violence has led to injuries, looting, and business closures, and confirmed it has engaged South African authorities and the African Union while considering possible evacuations for affected nationals.

Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in several parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said groups identifying as anti-immigrant movements have been carrying out violent attacks against foreign nationals from other African countries. These incidents have reportedly resulted in injuries, looting, destruction of property, and the forced closure of migrant-owned businesses.
The ministry urged Ghanaians planning to travel to South Africa to reconsider non-essential trips until the security situation improves. It also called on Ghanaian nationals already residing in South Africa to remain vigilant, exercise extreme caution, and maintain regular contact with Ghana’s High Commission for security updates and consular support.
According to the ministry, the Ghanaian government has already initiated diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of its citizens. It confirmed that South Africa’s chargé d’affaires in Accra has been formally summoned to the Foreign Ministry to provide explanations and discuss ongoing concerns.
The matter has also been raised at the level of the African Union, with Ghana pushing for broader continental attention and coordinated responses to the violence affecting migrant communities. Officials said efforts are underway to provide assistance to affected Ghanaians and to prepare contingency plans, including possible evacuations if conditions worsen.
The Foreign Ministry further called on the South African government to take urgent steps to restore public order and protect all foreign nationals living in the country, stressing the importance of safeguarding African unity and upholding human rights.
Reports of anti-immigrant violence have increased in South Africa since April, with migrant-owned shops and businesses frequently targeted during unrest. The attacks have left several people injured and forced some foreign nationals to flee affected areas for safety.
In response to the escalating situation, Ghana has also formally requested that the issue be included in discussions at the African Union’s 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place in El-Alamein, Egypt, from June 24 to 27.