Government ends South Africa evacuation exercise as final group arrives home

The Ghanaian government has concluded its evacuation operation for citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the last group of 41 individuals returning to Accra on Friday, September 4, 2026. Coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exercise has repatriated nearly 2,000 Ghanaian nationals who initially registered for evacuation since May.

The remains of two Ghanaians, killed during the violence, were also repatriated, bringing the total deaths associated with the exercise to three. During the final batch's arrival, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the completion of the exercise as a significant humanitarian intervention, praising President Mahama's commitment to Ghanaians both domestically and internationally.

He expressed gratitude to the various state institutions, diplomatic officials, security agencies, and private-sector partners for their collaboration in the evacuation. The Foreign Minister assured the public of full transparency regarding the funds expended during the operation, promising a press conference next week to account for all expenses and collaborations.

Ablakwa urged the returnees to remain resilient and focus on rebuilding their lives and contributing to Ghana's development, emphasizing the nation's collective responsibility for its citizens worldwide. He also stressed that the government's responsibility extends beyond bringing citizens home, highlighting the importance of supporting their reintegration into society, including providing a reintegration allowance.

The government's efforts aim to facilitate the economic recovery of the returnees as they seek to rebuild their livelihoods in Ghana.