Nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals have returned to Accra following a surge in anti-immigrant protests in South Africa that raised serious safety concerns for foreign residents.
The group, which included women and children, arrived on Wednesday from Johannesburg as part of a voluntary repatriation effort coordinated by both Ghanaian and South African authorities. Officials say the exercise is ongoing, with approximately 800 Ghanaians expressing interest in returning home.
According to a South African immigration official who spoke to local broadcaster eNCA, only a small fraction of the returnees—about 10 individuals—were legally residing in the country. The majority were reportedly in violation of immigration regulations.
To facilitate their return, the Ghanaian Embassy in South Africa issued emergency travel certificates to citizens who had overstayed their visas or lacked proper documentation.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, welcomed the returnees at Kotoka International Airport, assuring them of government support. He noted that returnees would receive psychosocial assistance and financial support to help them reintegrate into society.
The repatriation comes in the wake of escalating protests across parts of South Africa, where demonstrators have called for stricter immigration enforcement. Protesters have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to crime and unemployment issues that remain deeply rooted in the country’s economic challenges, with unemployment exceeding 30%.
In some areas, the protests have turned violent, with reports of attacks targeting migrants from other sub-Saharan African countries.
Migrant-rights organizations have strongly rejected the narrative that foreign nationals are responsible for South Africa’s economic difficulties, arguing that migrants are being unfairly scapegoated.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, emphasized that the repatriation effort is part of broader diplomatic engagement aimed at easing tensions while maintaining strong bilateral relations.
“We must ensure that those who are undocumented return home, while also allowing institutions to function effectively,” he stated, dismissing speculation of any diplomatic fallout between the two countries.
South African authorities have condemned acts of violence against foreign nationals and reiterated their commitment to upholding constitutional values, pledging to take action against xenophobic attacks.
An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians currently reside in South Africa. Meanwhile, protest organizers—particularly a group known as “March and March”—have issued a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, raising fears among observers that tensions could escalate further.
Some analysts suggest that the renewed wave of anti-immigrant sentiment may be linked to the country’s upcoming local elections in November, with immigration emerging as a politically charged issue.
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