No Ghanaian national evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has a criminal record. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced this development. Nearly 1,000 Ghanaians have been repatriated from South Africa. All underwent extensive joint security screening.
This rigorous vetting process involved both Ghanaian and South African security agencies. They checked evacuees' identities and backgrounds against criminal databases. The objective was to ensure no one with a criminal past was part of the evacuation. The screening was a condition set by the South African government for the repatriation exercise. Minister Ablakwa stated that not a single Ghanaian was found on any wanted list. This outcome disproves negative portrayals of Ghanaians abroad. It reinforces Ghana's image as a nation of law-abiding people.
Ghana's diplomatic efforts come amid a context of high crime rates in South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded over 1.8 million serious and violent crimes in the 2022/23 financial year. This represented a 7.7% increase from the previous year. Murder cases rose by 9.2% to 27,494 during that period. While crime levels have shown some recent declines, they remain unacceptably high. An average of 58 murders per day was recorded in early 2026. This puts South Africa among the most violent societies globally. The joint security screening was thus a critical measure for all parties involved.
Minister Ablakwa expressed pride in the Ghanaian evacuees. He stated, "When we informed them that we were going to evacuate all of you, the South African Government told us that there would have to be a condition. Their security agencies wanted to join us in the registration, screening, and vetting process because they have a wanted list and a database they wanted to check against.” He later confirmed, "So far, all the evacuation exercises we have done jointly with their security officials, not a single Ghanaian has been arrested. Not one Ghanaian." He added that their clean record confirms Ghanaians are generally law-abiding and hardworking.
The successful screening enhances Ghana's international reputation. It shows that Ghanaians abroad uphold the nation's values. The government plans to support these returnees with reintegration programs. Efforts are also underway to secure compensation for losses incurred. The final batch of evacuees arrived on Sunday. Minister Ablakwa commended the evacuees for not embarrassing Ghana. This event underscores the importance of Ghanaian diaspora and Ghana's commitment to their well-being and national image.