The first group of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions departed for Accra on Wednesday, Ghana’s foreign ministry confirmed.
The evacuation follows renewed protests and violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, prompting Ghanaian authorities to arrange repatriation flights for about 800 citizens expected to return home.
A government official said the flight experienced a delay before eventually departing for Ghana.
Hundreds of Ghanaians were seen at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg early Wednesday while preparing to board the flight back to Accra.
Flight monitoring data showed the aircraft departed shortly after 11:00 am local time. Ghanaian officials in South Africa said nearly 300 passengers were scheduled to travel on the first evacuation flight expected to arrive in Accra later the same day.
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The Ghanaian government has also pledged financial assistance and psychosocial support for citizens returning from South Africa to help them reintegrate into society.
South Africa, widely regarded as Africa’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted migrants from across the continent. However, the country has continued to experience recurring anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks, driven partly by unemployment levels exceeding 30 percent.
Public outrage also grew after a video allegedly showing the assault of a Ghanaian citizen circulated widely on social media.
The latest tensions have renewed conversations across Africa about xenophobia, migration, and the challenges migrants continue to face despite calls for African unity.