The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in parts of the country.
In a travel advisory issued on Monday, June 1, the Ministry sxeoaid groups identifying themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes have carried out attacks that have resulted in injuries, looting, destruction of property and the closure of businesses owned by foreign nationals.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the statement said.
The Ministry also urged Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa to remain in regular contact with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for updates and consular support.
The advisory follows a series of diplomatic interventions by the government in response to the attacks. Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recently summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to formally communicate Ghana’s concerns over the treatment of Ghanaians and other African nationals.
The Ministry cited a verified incident involving a Ghanaian resident in KwaZulu-Natal who was reportedly confronted and ordered to leave the country despite living there legally.
Ghana has also petitioned the African Union Commission to place the issue on the agenda of the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27 in Cairo, Egypt.
According to the petition, the attacks have become a matter of continental concern due to reported loss of lives, destruction of businesses and increasing insecurity among African migrants living in South Africa.
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation described Ghana’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union as regrettable. However, it noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia and directed security agencies to protect all residents regardless of nationality.
As part of efforts to protect its citizens, President John Dramani Mahama approved the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians who had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
The first batch of 300 evacuees arrived at Kotoka International Airport on May 27 aboard a government-chartered flight. Receiving the returnees, Mr Ablakwa announced a reintegration package that includes transportation support, temporary accommodation, counselling services, financial assistance and access to employment and business opportunities.
He further disclosed that 26 Ghanaians who had been imprisoned in South Africa for visa-related offences were released following negotiations between the two governments.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, indicated that 826 Ghanaians have so far registered for evacuation, with additional flights expected to return more citizens in the coming days.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on South African authorities to guarantee the safety of African nationals and enforce law and order, while assuring that Ghana will continue engaging with South African officials to facilitate the safe return of citizens who wish to come home.
