Ghana Begins Evacuation of Citizens Amid South Africa Tensions

(MENAFN) Ghana has announced plans to urgently evacuate 300 of its citizens from South Africa following what authorities described as a renewed surge of xenophobic violence directed at foreign nationals.

According to reports, Ghanaian President John Mahama authorized the operation after affected citizens registered for assistance through Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the individuals seeking evacuation had requested government support amid growing fears over anti-immigrant unrest.

“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians home and abroad,” Ablakwa wrote on X on Tuesday.

The evacuation decision follows mounting concern across Africa regarding increasing hostility toward migrants in South Africa. In recent weeks, demonstrations calling for stricter immigration controls and large-scale deportations have spread through several areas of the country.

Reports noted that hundreds of protesters gathered in Johannesburg late last month demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants, while similar protests were later reported in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Anti-immigrant movements such as Operation Dudula have remained central to the controversy. A Johannesburg High Court previously ruled that the group’s activities at public facilities were unlawful and xenophobic, prohibiting members from harassment, hate speech, and preventing foreigners from accessing healthcare, education, or housing.

The latest unrest has once again highlighted longstanding tensions surrounding attacks on African migrants in South Africa, where unemployment remains above 30%. Foreign nationals are frequently accused by critics of competing for jobs, putting pressure on public services, and contributing to criminal activity.

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