The Government of Ghana has officially concluded the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks. In a statement shared on Facebook, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the arrival of 41 Ghanaians on Friday, September 4, 2026, marked the completion of the evacuation exercise, which commenced in May.
According to the Ministry, nearly 1,900 Ghanaian nationals who voluntarily registered were successfully repatriated through the operation. In addition, the remains of two citizens who lost their lives in the attacks were returned home, while one evacuee passed away upon arrival in Accra. This brings the total number of deaths associated with the evacuation exercise to three.
Addressing the final group of returnees, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his steadfast commitment to the welfare and safety of Ghanaians worldwide. He encouraged the evacuees to remain resilient, urging them not to lose hope but to channel their skills, energy, and time into building a stronger Ghana.
The Minister further advised the returnees to prioritise their health and seek medical care whenever necessary as they begin the process of reintegration. He assured the public that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide a full account of all funds expended during the evacuation exercise. Mr. Ablakwa also extended gratitude to allied agencies and private-sector partners whose contributions were instrumental in ensuring the successful completion of the operation.
