Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the last group of Ghanaians was safely returned to Accra, bringing the total number of evacuees to about 1,900. The final batch completed the second phase of the evacuation exercise, which targeted roughly 1,000 citizens who had registered voluntarily for repatriation.
The operation followed an earlier round in May and June that saw 979 Ghanaians returned in three batches. The government had urged its nationals to avoid non‑essential travel to South Africa after reports of harassment, intimidation and attacks in Durban and other commercial hubs.
Minister Ablakwa highlighted the support packages provided to returnees, including financial assistance, transportation allowances, medical care, psychosocial support, free health insurance registration and ongoing employment assistance. He also noted that the government would present a comprehensive report on the exercise next week.
The decision to evacuate was prompted by renewed anti‑foreigner violence in South Africa, which the Ghanaian government described as a threat to African unity and regional integration. Diplomatic engagement with South African authorities and a petition to the African Union were part of the response.
Minister Ablakwa expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and thanked local partners involved in the humanitarian operation. He also mourned the four Ghanaians who lost their lives during the unrest, offering prayers for their families.
With the evacuation complete, the focus now shifts to reintegration of the returnees, with the government pledging continued support in health, psychosocial care and employment opportunities.
