The Government of Ghana has received the 11th batch of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
A total of 87 Ghanaian evacuees arrived at the Accra International Airport on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of the second phase of the government-led evacuation exercise.
The returnees were welcomed by the Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Harold Agyeman, together with officials from the ministry and other government institutions.
Government Assures Returnees of Support
Ambassador Agyeman assured the evacuees that the Ghanaian government remains committed to supporting their successful reintegration into their communities.
He encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful and use the skills, knowledge and experiences they acquired while living and working in South Africa to rebuild their lives and contribute to Ghana’s economic and social development.
The ambassador also highlighted the importance of African unity, peaceful coexistence and solidarity, stressing that Ghanaian and South African citizens remain part of the wider African family despite the difficulties encountered during the period.
Evacuees Receive Resettlement Support
Ambassador Agyeman said the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has provided support packages to assist the returnees with their resettlement and reintegration into their respective communities.
Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, one of the returnees expressed appreciation to President Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and officials of the ministry for facilitating their safe return to Ghana.
The group also thanked the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and other stakeholders for their assistance throughout the evacuation process.
Government Agencies Assist Ghanaian Returnees
Several government and humanitarian institutions were present at the airport to ensure a smooth arrival and reintegration process.
These included representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Red Cross and Port Health authorities, among other relevant agencies.
The institutions provided the necessary assistance and guidance to help the returnees transition safely back into their communities.
Nearly 1,600 Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa
The latest arrival brings the number of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa since May 2026 to approximately 1,600.
The government is expecting an additional 300 Ghanaian nationals to return in the coming weeks as it works to complete the second phase of the evacuation programme.
The ongoing exercise highlights the government’s efforts to protect Ghanaian nationals abroad and provide assistance to citizens affected by insecurity, xenophobic attacks and other humanitarian challenges.
Source: newsthemegh.com