Ghana to Begin Final Repatriation of 900 Citizens from South Africa on July 25
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Anani Quashie, has announced that the Government of Ghana will begin the final phase of its voluntary repatriation exercise for about 900 Ghanaian nationals in South Africa from July 25, 2026.
The exercise follows months of xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in South Africa.
The High Commissioner, addressing the Ghanaian community, said the government had approved additional support through the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring home those who had registered to return voluntarily.
He said nearly 926 Ghanaians had already been evacuated under the previous phases of the exercise, adding that the upcoming operation would complete the government’s planned repatriation programme.
“The Ministry has provided, through the Office of the President, support for us to do another repatriation of close to 900 Ghanaians who voluntarily want to return home,” he said.
H.E Quashie explained that the repatriation would follow the same procedures used during the previous three phases. Officials from the High Commission would visit churches, hotels and other locations where registered Ghanaians are staying to coordinate the exercise.
He said the South African Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Authorities had approved July 25 as the start date for the operation.
According to him, flights will depart daily from July 25 until all the registered returnees have been transported to Ghana. The High Commission will also arrange transportation for those living in other provinces to join the flights.
The High Commissioner urged registered beneficiaries to wait for official notification before travelling to the High Commission. He cautioned against arriving in Pretoria without prior instructions, saying accommodation would not be provided for those who report without being scheduled.
“We will notify each group before their departure. Please follow the procedures so that we can have a smooth repatriation exercise,” he said.
Mr Quashie also clarified that no new registrations would be accepted for the final exercise. He said only Ghanaians who had already completed the registration and screening process would be included.
He appealed to those who had not registered to cooperate with the authorities and avoid attempting to join the exercise without approval, noting that the High Commission had worked closely with South African immigration authorities throughout the process.
He said once the final group of about 900 people returns to Ghana, the mass repatriation programme will end. Future requests for assistance to return home will be handled individually through the High Commission’s consular services.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation to President Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for supporting the evacuation exercise and responding to the needs of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
He assured the Ghanaian community that the High Commission would continue to provide updates to all registered beneficiaries until the exercise is completed.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
