President John Dramani Mahama has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians living in South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 12, by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a social media post.
According to the Foreign Minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier complied with an advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation assistance.
“His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He explained that the evacuees are among distressed Ghanaian nationals seeking safety amid escalating attacks reportedly directed at foreign residents in parts of South Africa.
The minister added that the government remains committed to protecting the interests and welfare of Ghanaians both within and outside the country.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,” he said.
Details regarding the evacuation timeline and transport arrangements were, however, not immediately disclosed.
South Africa has in recent years witnessed periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often targeting migrants and foreign-owned businesses.
Several African nationals, including Ghanaians, have previously been affected by such attacks, prompting diplomatic engagement and evacuation efforts by affected countries.
