Yasmin Bilal
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the planned evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa, which was due to begin on 21 May 2026, has been postponed by a few days.
In a statement, the Ministry said more than 800 Ghanaian citizens had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, requesting assistance to return home following recent reports of xenophobic attacks.
It said the decision to defer the operation was based on the number of people involved and the need to meet legal and operational requirements in South Africa, including mandatory passenger screening, coordination between multiple institutions, and the securing of flight permits.
The Ministry added that Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation arrangements aimed at speeding up the process once it resumes.
Officials from both countries remain engaged on the matter as preparations continue.
“The planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission to meet these evacuation conditions,” the Ministry said.
The government assured Ghanaian nationals in South Africa that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe return and urged patience as final arrangements are completed.
It further said it will continue to provide timely updates as the process develops.