Scores of Ghanaian nationals reportedly gathered for a screening and verification exercise at the Ghanaian Embassy in Pretoria on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The development follows comments by Benjamin Quashie, who recently disclosed that 826 Ghanaians had registered to be evacuated from South Africa.

According to Quashie, the verification exercise was organised for the first batch of about 300 citizens expected to depart on Wednesday, amid growing tensions linked to recent anti-migration protests across parts of the country.

The protests, reportedly led by a group identified as “March and March,” have taken place in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape, with demonstrators calling for non-South Africans to leave the country before the end of June.

Quashie stated that more than 16,000 Ghanaians currently live in South Africa, noting that most reside there legally and comply with local laws. However, he added that the atmosphere of fear and intimidation has pushed many to consider returning home.

Fredrick said he had not personally experienced any danger, but described life in Johannesburg as a “risk”.

“Even if you are not in danger from xenophobic attacks or riots, there are a lot of things. People can come into your house, point a gun at you and rob you. Even in the streets, you are not safe,” he said. 

Asked if he would ever return to South Africa, Fredrick said no.

“Never. I can never come back to South Africa,” he added.