ACCRA, Ghana (XOL Africa) — Ghana has begun a second phase of evacuations of citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with 180 people arriving in Accra and another 36 expected Tuesday, the government said.
The latest evacuation, which began Sunday, involves 216 Ghanaians out of an estimated 1,000 who voluntarily registered for government-assisted repatriation.
The government previously evacuated 926 Ghanaians on chartered flights in May and June, bringing the total number of citizens assisted to more than 1,100.
Welcoming the returnees, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and assured them of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.
Ablakwa said no Ghanaian would be abandoned in times of distress and pledged government support for the returnees’ reintegration into their communities.
The minister led a minute’s silence for two Ghanaians who died during the xenophobic attacks and renewed calls for justice. He said the government would continue engaging South African authorities to ensure thorough investigations and accountability for those responsible.
He also said Ghana would pursue legal processes to protect the interests of Ghanaians who lost property and businesses during the attacks.
The government is working with public institutions and private-sector organizations to help the returnees access employment and livelihood opportunities, Ablakwa said. He added that the returnees would receive travel and reintegration support similar to that provided during the first phase.
The Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg was also praised for providing temporary shelter to Ghanaians who fled their homes while awaiting evacuation.
Ablakwa commended the returnees for their conduct in South Africa, saying they had undergone the required security screening before departure and had upheld the laws of their host country.
Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, deputy director-general of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation in charge of livelihood and community empowerment, welcomed the returnees and pledged continued support as they rebuild their lives.
The evacuees thanked the Ghanaian government for facilitating their return and said they were committed to contributing to the country’s development.
The repatriation highlights broader economic and business risks posed by xenophobic violence and insecurity to African cross-border commerce. South Africa is a major destination for African migrants and a key commercial hub, with businesses owned or operated by foreign nationals contributing to retail, services, logistics and other sectors.
Repeated attacks against African migrants could undermine investor confidence, disrupt supply chains and discourage entrepreneurs from expanding across borders, while also straining diplomatic and economic relations among African countries. For Ghanaian businesses, the loss of shops, property and commercial assets could have implications beyond individual livelihoods, potentially affecting remittances, trade links and private investment between Ghana and South Africa.
The developments also underscore the importance of stronger regional mechanisms to protect African citizens and businesses operating in other African countries as the continent seeks to deepen economic integration and advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
For governments and businesses, the situation reinforces the need for stronger risk-management strategies, migrant protection measures and diplomatic cooperation to ensure that growing intra-African trade and investment are not undermined by xenophobia and insecurity.
