Ghana will commence the final phase of evacuating approximately 900 citizens from South Africa on July 25, 2026. This operation will bring home Ghanaians who voluntarily expressed interest in returning.
The current repatriation follows earlier successful efforts to bring back citizens impacted by xenophobic attacks. Many Ghanaians were left stranded in churches, hotels, or with friends and relatives across South Africa. This latest phase aims to address the remaining registered individuals requesting assistance.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, especially during crises. Previous evacuations have included Ghanaians from distressed regions, demonstrating the government’s active response to external socio-economic and political challenges affecting its diaspora. The logistical and financial commitment highlights public finance allocation towards consular support and emergency response.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, announced the plan in a video broadcast from Pretoria on July 14, 2026. He stated, “As a government that cares, the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instituted us into having an evacuation for Ghanaians who voluntarily want to go home.” Mr. Quashie added that the Ministry, with presidential support, provided funds for this repatriation.
Flights will depart daily from July 25 until all 900 registered individuals are repatriated. The High Commissioner stressed that only those already registered and screened will be evacuated. This exercise will conclude the government's mass repatriation efforts. Subsequently, any further assistance will be handled on a case-by-case basis through consular services. This shift indicates a return to standard consular operations once the immediate crisis-driven exodus is complete. Public funds allocated for this large-scale operation will cease after this final phase.