Ghana Postpones Evacuation of 800 Citizens From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Concerns
- May 22
- 2 min read
The Ghanaian government has delayed plans to evacuate more than 800 of its nationals from South Africa following rising tensions linked to recent anti-immigrant attacks in the country.
The decision came after a widely circulated video allegedly showed a Ghanaian citizen, identified as Emmanuel Asamoah, being assaulted during the latest wave of violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The footage sparked outrage online and renewed concerns over the safety of African migrants living in the country.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had earlier announced arrangements to begin evacuating affected citizens on Thursday. However, authorities later confirmed that the process would be postponed for a few more days due to logistical and legal requirements imposed by South African authorities.
According to the ministry, the evacuation involves mandatory passenger screening, coordination among multiple agencies, and the approval of flight permits before departures can proceed. Officials from both Ghana and South Africa are reportedly working together to fast-track the remaining procedures.
The Ghanaian government also disclosed that returnees would receive reintegration assistance, including financial support and psychosocial services, to help them settle back into life in Ghana.
The incident has reignited discussions across Africa about xenophobia, migration, and the treatment of African nationals living in other countries on the continent. Ghana has continued to push for stronger continental action on the issue, warning that repeated attacks on migrants could undermine regional integration efforts and free movement initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Earlier this month, Ghana’s foreign minister called for the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa to be formally discussed during the upcoming African Union mid-year meeting.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned the attacks, stating that xenophobia and violence have no place in the country. He attributed the unrest to criminal elements exploiting tensions around migration.
Emmanuel Asamoah, the Ghanaian man seen in the viral video, has since safely returned to Ghana.
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