Ghana postpones evacuation of citizens from South Africa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026.

According to the Ministry, more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation following a recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry explained that the evacuation had been deferred for a few days due to legal and logistical requirements, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permit arrangements.

It added that Ghanaian and South African authorities had agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation measures to help expedite the process.

The Ministry said senior government officials from both countries remain actively engaged in the exercise and assured Ghanaian nationals in South Africa that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe return home.

It also commended affected citizens for their patience and understanding and pledged to continue providing updates on the situation.