The government has evacuated 1,964 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following the deterioration in security conditions and the wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa began on May 27, 2026, and ended on September 4, 2026, with the returnees transported to Ghana through a combination of chartered and commercial flights.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed the figure at a press briefing on Monday, September 7, 2026, saying the evacuation exercise was undertaken to protect the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in South Africa.
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Mr Ablakwa said the government took the decision to evacuate Ghanaian nationals as security conditions in South Africa deteriorated.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana was the first country to evacuate its nationals from South Africa in response to the escalating tensions.
The first evacuation flight departed South Africa on May 27 and prioritised vulnerable groups, including children, women, the aged and persons who were sick.
The exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with support from the Presidency, National Security Secretariat and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The government spent a total of GH¢49.72 million to carry out the evacuation from South Africa, with the expenditure covering flights, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.
Of the total amount, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners contributed GH¢16 million towards the evacuation exercise.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the evacuation was not anticipated and, therefore, had not been included in the government’s original budget.
He said the government nevertheless had to act swiftly to protect Ghanaian nationals despite the unexpected financial burden.
“The lives protected and the dignity of Ghanaians far outweigh the cost,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said each of the 1,964 Ghanaian returnees received GH¢5,000 in reintegration support in addition to GH¢500 for transportation.
The support forms part of the government’s efforts to help the evacuated nationals settle back into their communities after returning to Ghana.
The evacuation exercise also formed part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic and consular response to the deteriorating security situation in South Africa.
Mr Ablakwa said the government remained committed to protecting Ghanaians living abroad and would continue to respond decisively whenever the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals were threatened.
He stressed that the evacuation demonstrated the government’s willingness to prioritise the lives and dignity of Ghanaian citizens in times of crisis.
The return of the 1,964 nationals brings to an end the latest major Ghana evacuation exercise in South Africa, following months of heightened security concerns and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Myjoyonline