The Government of Ghana has announced a temporary postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks reported in parts of the country.
In a statement issued on May 21 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities explained that the evacuation exercise, which was initially scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 21, has been delayed for a few days to allow officials to complete key logistical and legal requirements necessary for the operation.
According to the ministry, more than 800 Ghanaians currently living in South Africa have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria and expressed their intention to return home due to concerns arising from the latest attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The ministry stated that the scale of the operation, combined with legal and aviation procedures required by South African authorities, made the temporary postponement necessary to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated process.
Officials explained that several requirements still need to be completed before the evacuation can commence, including mandatory passenger screening processes, coordination among multiple institutions, and the acquisition of relevant flight permits.
The government indicated that these measures are essential to ensuring that all operational and legal conditions are fully met before flights begin.
Authorities further assured affected citizens that efforts remain ongoing to facilitate a safe and orderly evacuation process while continuing to prioritize the welfare and security of Ghanaians living abroad.
