The Government of Ghana on Monday, 3rd August, 2026 evacuated 150 more Ghanaians fleeing South Africa due to the xenophobic attacks in that country. The evacuees were welcomed on arrival at the Accra International Airport by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson (MP), accompanied by Management and Staff of the Ministry, as well as other senior government officials. Their arrival brings the total number of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa since May 2026 to 1,324.
Welcoming the evacuees, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to God for their safe return and assured them of Government’s commitment to supporting their successful reintegration into their communities. He encouraged the returnees to keep hope alive and to apply the skills, experiences and determination acquired during their stay in South Africa towards rebuilding their lives and contributing to national development.
He also urged them not to harbour resentment against any South African, over the bad experiences they might have gone through, stressing that, they remained our brothers and sisters within the larger African family. He underscored the importance of African unity and peaceful coexistence and encouraged the returnees to focus on the opportunities available to them as they begin a new chapter in Ghana.
The Deputy Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of every Ghanaian and emphasised that human life remained invaluable. He assured the evacuees that the Government, under the leadership of the President John Dramani Mahama, would continue to provide the necessary support to facilitate their resettlement and reintegration. He encouraged them to maintain the bonds and relationships developed among themselves and to support one another as they resettle in their respective communities.
He then informed the evacuees that, their details would be compiled and categorised according to skills and aspirations to enable Government to provide appropriate livelihood and employment support to them. He then announced a decent reintegration cash grant from Government to assist them in restarting their lives. He acknowledged, with deep gratitude the support of AirtelTigo and Telecel Ghana in providing free mobile connectivity to the returnees as part of efforts to facilitate their reintegration.
Mr. Phillip, a spokesperson for the evacuees, in turn expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the Government of Ghana for facilitating their safe return and for the warm reception extended to them upon their arrival to facilitate their smooth reintegration into society. He also expressed appreciation to Amb. Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner in Pretoria and his officials, as well as religious leaders and other stakeholders, for their support and contribution towards their successful evacuation.
Representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Red Cross, Port Health authorities and other relevant institutions were available to provide the necessary assistance to ensure their smooth transition.
