Ghana has brought home a further 150 citizens from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks, taking the number evacuated since May 2026 to 1,324.
The latest group arrived at Accra International Airport on Monday, 3 August, where they were received by Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, senior officials from the ministry and representatives of other state institutions.
Mr Quayson welcomed the returnees and said the government remained committed to helping them settle back into Ghanaian society. He urged them to look ahead with confidence and use the skills, knowledge and experience gained in South Africa to rebuild their lives and support Ghana’s national development.
The evacuation forms part of government efforts to protect Ghanaians affected by the attacks and assist them in returning to the country safely.
Mr Quayson also appealed to the returnees not to develop resentment towards South Africans as a result of what they had experienced. He said Ghana and South Africa remained part of the wider African family and encouraged the evacuees to focus on peace, unity and the opportunities available to them as they began a new chapter at home.
He reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s pledge to protect the welfare of all Ghanaians and provide the support required for the returnees’ successful reintegration.
The deputy foreign affairs minister said the government would assess the evacuees according to their skills and career interests. The process is intended to help connect them with employment and livelihood opportunities in Ghana.
Each returnee will also receive a reintegration grant to assist with resettlement, he said.
Mr Quayson thanked AirtelTigo and Telecel Ghana for providing the returning citizens with free mobile connectivity. The service is intended to help them communicate during the reintegration process.
Speaking for the evacuees, Mr Phillip expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for arranging their safe return.
He also thanked Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Benjamin Quashie, and the diplomatic mission’s staff for their support during the evacuation. Religious leaders and other stakeholders were also acknowledged for the assistance they provided.
A range of Ghanaian state agencies were present at Accra International Airport to support the arrival. They included the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Red Cross Society and Port Health authorities.
Officials from other state institutions also took part in the reception and arrangements aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for the returnees.
The government has now evacuated 1,324 Ghanaians from South Africa since the operation began in May 2026. The latest arrival brings the total number of citizens returned under the programme to its current level as authorities continue efforts to safeguard Ghanaians affected by the xenophobic violence and support their resettlement in Ghana.
