The Government of Ghana has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests targeting African nationals across parts of the country.
In a statement released on Monday, June 1, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghanaian government said it was deeply concerned about increasing attacks.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana has observed with great concern, the increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeted at Africans by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes which have resulted in degrees of injuries, closure and takeover of businesses, looting and loss of properties,” the statement said.
The advisory comes amid a broader wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where tensions over unemployment, crime, and economic hardship have fuelled hostility toward foreign nationals.
In several incidents reported in recent weeks, migrant-owned shops were forced to shut down, while some communities faced intimidation from vigilante groups demanding stricter immigration enforcement.
According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the administration has already taken diplomatic and emergency steps in response to the situation, including formal protests to South African authorities and engagement with continental bodies.
“The Mahama Administration has taken a number of steps including conveying formal protests at the highest diplomatic level, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union and evacuating our nationals,” the statement added.
Ghana also confirmed that evacuation efforts have already begun for citizens willing to return home.
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The process, coordinated through the Ghana High Commission in South Africa, is part of a broader effort to protect nationals caught up in the unrest.
Furthermore, the government advised citizens currently residing in South Africa to maintain close communication with diplomatic officials for assistance and updates on security developments.
“Ghanaian nationals in the country are urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular services,” it said.
As the situation continues to evolve, Ghana stressed that it will sustain cooperation with South African authorities to ensure the protection of its citizens and facilitate further evacuations where necessary.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities of the Republic of South Africa to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals to ensure their safety,” the statement noted.
The advisory also included a diplomatic appeal to South Africa to strengthen security for African migrants and uphold law and order in line with continental unity principles.
“In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of Ghana wishes to call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans in its territory and take measures to enforce law and order in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration.”
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens globally, saying their safety remains a top priority both at home and abroad.