Ghana postpones evacuation of citizens from South Africa over legal conditions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in the country.

According to the Ministry, the evacuation exercise, which was scheduled to commence on May 21, 2026, has been deferred by a few days to allow Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to complete the necessary legal and logistical requirements.

The government disclosed that more than 800 Ghanaians have so far registered with the High Commission seeking evacuation due to safety concerns arising from the attacks.

In a statement issued on May 21, the Ministry explained that the delay was necessary because of mandatory passenger screening processes, multi-institutional coordination and flight permit requirements imposed under South African regulations.

“The planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission meet these evacuation conditions,” the statement noted.

The Ministry further revealed that Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed on enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation arrangements to help speed up the process.

It added that senior government officials from both countries remain actively engaged to ensure the successful evacuation of affected Ghanaians.

The Government assured citizens stranded in South Africa that efforts are ongoing to guarantee their safe return home.