The government of Ghana has announced plans to evacuate about 300 of its citizens from South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant protests in several parts of the country.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama approved the emergency evacuation after many distressed Ghanaians registered with the country’s embassy in Pretoria seeking help and protection.
The latest protests in South Africa have seen thousands of demonstrators calling for stricter immigration controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants. Protesters claim illegal immigration is affecting jobs, housing, healthcare, and security in the country.
As tensions continue to grow, Ghana’s embassy in Pretoria advised its citizens to avoid public gatherings and stay indoors whenever possible. Ghanaian business owners in Durban were also urged to temporarily shut down their shops ahead of planned demonstrations in the city.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the situation by condemning criminal acts targeting foreign nationals. He said the attacks do not represent South Africa’s official policy and described them as isolated incidents carried out by criminal elements.
The issue has sparked diplomatic concerns across Africa. Nigeria and Ghana recently summoned South African envoys to express concerns over the treatment of their citizens. Ghana has also written to the African Union, requesting discussions on the growing xenophobic tensions and the safety of African migrants living in South Africa.
South African authorities have denied reports suggesting widespread violent attacks, insisting that several videos circulating online are fake or misleading. However, fear remains among migrant communities, with countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe also warning their citizens to remain cautious.
Official figures show that more than three million foreign nationals currently live in South Africa, although the actual number is believed to be much higher. Xenophobic violence has remained a major issue in the country for years, with repeated attacks on migrants leading to deaths, injuries, and destruction of businesses.