No Ghanaian Will Be Left Behind’: Fresh Evacuation Begins
The Government of Ghana has announced a new large-scale evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, moving swiftly to rescue hundreds of nationals caught in the wave of renewed xenophobic attacks that have displaced migrants and heightened fears across affected communities.
The latest humanitarian operation, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday July 25, 2026, is expected to bring approximately 1,000 Ghanaians back home in phases beginning Sunday, July 26.The first evacuation flights are scheduled to land in Accra on Sunday and Monday, marking the start of what officials describe as the next phase of an emergency response to protect citizens threatened by the violence.
The decision follows escalating attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Ghana to reactivate emergency consular measures and intensify efforts to assist citizens seeking a safe return. According to the ministry, the evacuation will initially accommodate Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily return home under government assistance. The exercise forms part of a broader humanitarian intervention aimed at ensuring vulnerable citizens are removed from danger as quickly as possible.
To ensure the most vulnerable receive immediate assistance, priority has been reserved for women, children, the elderly, students and individuals with medical conditions. The ministry also appealed to distressed Ghanaians who have not yet made travel arrangements to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for support and further guidance.
In recognition of the support received during the crisis, the government expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for opening their facilities free of charge to provide temporary shelter for Ghanaians who fled their homes while awaiting evacuation processing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria remains on high alert and has fully reactivated its emergency consular response mechanism to coordinate assistance, process evacuation requests and facilitate the safe departure of affected nationals.
The ministry further urged Ghanaians still residing in South Africa to remain vigilant by avoiding areas experiencing unrest, refraining from confrontations and cooperating fully with officials handling the evacuation exercise. Authorities believe strict adherence to these directives will help ensure a smooth and successful humanitarian operation.
The renewed evacuation underscores Ghana’s determination to safeguard the welfare of its citizens abroad, particularly during periods of conflict and insecurity. It also reflects the government’s commitment to providing timely diplomatic and humanitarian support whenever the safety of Ghanaians is threatened beyond the country’s borders.
Ending the statement on a resolute note, the government assured citizens that no effort would be spared in bringing every affected Ghanaian to safety. “Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared.
Author: Joyce Owusu
