The Ghanaian government has moved swiftly to rescue citizens caught up in renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, approving the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from the country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that President John Dramani Mahama had authorised the emergency evacuation as concerns grow over attacks targeting foreign nationals and migrant-owned businesses.
According to the minister, the affected Ghanaians had already registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria after responding to an earlier advisory from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Mr. Ablakwa stated in a Facebook post.
He explained that the individuals seeking evacuation had complied with government directives and reached out for assistance after the latest wave of attacks escalated.
“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting citizens wherever they may be.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians, at home and abroad,” he stressed.
The latest intervention comes as tensions rise in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals—including Ghanaians and other African migrants—have faced repeated attacks, business closures and threats in recent weeks.
