Ghana fully funded evacuation of nationals from South Africa- Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Government of Ghana has confirmed that it fully funded the evacuation of more than 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa due to recent xenophobic attacks. In a statement on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Ghana did not seek financial assistance from the South African Government. The Ministry rejected media reports suggesting that South Africa sought approximately $18 million in reimbursement from African countries for supporting and evacuating their nationals.

All costs related to the evacuation of Ghanaians were covered by Ghana's government and its partners. Since May 2026, over 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa, with the process still ongoing. These evacuees are given reintegration funds, transport costs, and other relief items to aid their return to Ghana. The Ministry reassured Ghanaians that Ghana would not be included in South Africa's list of countries requesting reimbursement for repatriating foreign nationals.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad and pledged to take prompt action to protect them whenever their safety and security are threatened. The Ministry expressed gratitude to President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners for their support of the entirely Ghanaian-funded evacuation exercise.