345 more Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa have arrived safely in Ghana following a recent surge in xenophobic violence and growing anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of the country.
The evacuees landed at the Accra International Airport on Saturday, June 6, as part of an ongoing emergency repatriation exercise coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
Officials say the evacuation forms part of government’s response to rising insecurity affecting Ghanaian nationals, following reports of attacks, intimidation, and destruction of property in some affected communities.
The latest arrivals join an earlier batch of about 300 evacuees who returned on May 27. That initial operation was originally scheduled for May 21 but was postponed due to logistical and administrative arrangements.
Authorities further explained that the second phase of the evacuation was delayed after registration figures exceeded initial projections. More than 1,500 Ghanaians reportedly signed up to return home, reflecting heightened anxiety within the Ghanaian community in South Africa.
Many of the returnees are said to have left behind businesses, employment, and personal belongings after years of residence in South Africa, as the situation became increasingly unstable for some foreign nationals.
The current wave of xenophobic incidents has drawn concern from African governments and human rights organizations, who warn that such developments undermine regional integration and continental solidarity.
Another evacuation flight carrying more than 300 additional returnees is expected to arrive on Sunday, June 7, according to officials.
