{
  "id": 6150387,
  "title": "Xenophobic attacks: 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa – Ablakwa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/xenophobic-attacks-1-964-ghanaians-evacuated-from-south-africa-ablakwa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T16:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/xenophobic-attacks-1964-ghanaians-evacuated-from-south-africa-ablakwa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that a total of 1,964 Ghanaian nationals were evacuated from South Africa due to the worsening security conditions and xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals. The evacuation, which took place from May 27 to September 4, 2026, involved both chartered and commercial flights. Ablakwa highlighted the government's priority in safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians in South Africa, as the situation escalated. Ghana was the first country to respond to the tensions by evacuating its nationals from South Africa.\n\nThe evacuation process began with a flight on May 27, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and those with health issues. The operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria, and with support from the Presidency, National Security Secretariat, and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Ablakwa emphasized that the decision to evacuate was unforeseen, resulting in an unexpected financial burden for the government.\n\nThe exercise formed part of the government's comprehensive diplomatic and consular response to the deteriorating situation in South Africa. Ablakwa affirmed the government's commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and pledged to take decisive action when the safety and well-being of Ghanaian nationals were threatened. The total cost of the evacuation amounted to GH¢49.72 million, covering expenses such as flights, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care, reintegration support, and the repatriation of two Ghanaians who passed away during the crisis. The government covered GH¢33.72 million, while businessman Ibrahim Mahama's Engineers and Planners contributed GH¢16 million. Each of the 1,964 returnees received a reintegration support of GH¢5,000, along with GH¢500 for transportation.",
  "summary": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says a total of 1,964 Ghanaian nationals have been evacuated from South Africa following the deterioration of security conditions and a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. The evacuation exercise, which commenced on May 27, 2026, and ended on September 4, 2026, was undertaken using both chartered and […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Xenophobic attacks: Ghana spent GH¢49.72m evacuating 1,900 citizens from South Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/xenophobic-attacks-ghana-spent-gh-49-72m-evacuating-1-900-citizens",
        "published": "2026-09-07T15:38:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Ghana spends GH¢49.7M evacuating 1,964 citizens from South Africa - Ablakwa proposes Diaspora Emergency Fund",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/ghana-spends-gh-49-7m-evacuating-1-964-citizens-from-south-africa",
        "published": "2026-09-07T16:45:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Structural barriers prevent meaningful mental health support in South Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/structural-barriers-prevent-meaningful-mental-health-support-in-south",
        "published": "2026-09-07T16:52:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "El Niño is here: South Africa must pay for prevention now",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/el-nino-is-here-south-africa-must-pay-for-prevention-now",
        "published": "2026-09-07T17:00:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "Xenophobic attacks: Ghana completes evacuation of 1,900 citizens from South Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/xenophobic-attacks-ghana-completes-evacuation-of-1-900-citizens-from",
        "published": "2026-09-07T17:15:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Government spent GH¢49.7m to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa – Ablakwa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/government-spent-gh-49-7m-to-evacuate-1-964-ghanaians-from-south",
        "published": "2026-09-07T17:20:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}