The first batch of about 300 Ghanaian nationals departed South Africa on Wednesday, May 27, as Ghana officially began a voluntary evacuation programme amid growing anti-immigration tensions.
Families were seen gathering at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg while officials coordinated the evacuation process. The move follows increasing protests in parts of South Africa over illegal immigration, with demonstrators linking their frustrations to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said turnout for the evacuation exceeded expectations, adding that more registrations were still being processed ahead of another scheduled flight on Sunday.
Ghana had earlier summoned South Africa’s ambassador following reports of att@cks targeting Ghanaians before announcing plans to evacuate affected citizens.
Migration expert Loren Landau described the evacuation as a symbolic political message from Ghana expressing concern over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Some evacuees were reportedly held at the Lindela Repatriation Centre over immigration-related matters before their departure.
More than 800 Ghanaians have reportedly registered for evacuation so far, while Nigerian authorities have also criticised the alleged treatment of some of their citizens and are said to be considering similar evacuation arrangements.