The first batch of nearly 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following recent anti-immigrant protests has arrived safely in Accra.
The returnees touched down at the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday and were received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, together with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration authorities.
Some of the returnees appeared emotional as they reunited with relatives and loved ones after weeks of fear and uncertainty in South Africa.
The evacuation follows growing tensions in parts of South Africa where foreign nationals have recently come under pressure amid renewed protests linked to undocumented immigration and economic hardship.
According to Ghanaian officials, close to 800 Ghanaians living in South Africa have so far registered to return home, saying they no longer feel safe due to the rising hostility against foreigners.
Several of the returnees shared painful stories about how they lost their businesses and properties during the unrest.
One Ghanaian man said he operated a salon business in a container shop but was forced to abandon everything after his place was attacked and looted.
“I tried to sell my salon before leaving, but nobody wanted to buy it. I had no option than to run for my life because life is more important than property,” he said.
Another returnee, Victor Atsu Togbe, thanked the Ghanaian government for stepping in to assist them.
“It has been very difficult for us over the past few weeks. We are grateful to the government for bringing us back home safely,” he said.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s major destinations for migrants seeking better job opportunities and improved living conditions. However, the country has also struggled with repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years.
The country’s unemployment rate remains high, with millions of citizens facing economic difficulties. This has often resulted in frustrations being directed at foreign nationals, especially undocumented migrants.
South African immigration authorities reportedly indicated that only a few of the returnees had valid immigration documents, while many had overstayed their visas.
However, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa has raised concerns over delays in the renewal of permits and immigration documentation, saying many migrants face challenges with the processing system.
Speaking to the returnees on arrival, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that 26 Ghanaians who had been detained by South African authorities over immigration-related issues were part of the group that returned home.
He assured them that government would support them as they begin life again in Ghana.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the returnees should receive transportation support to their various hometowns as well as financial assistance to help with reintegration.
“President Mahama has instructed that all of you should receive transportation allowance to your homes and also a reintegration package to support you,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He added that the returnees would also be connected to opportunities that could help them secure jobs or start businesses.
The latest incidents in South Africa have once again sparked conversations across Africa about xenophobia and the treatment of migrants on the continent.
In recent weeks, fears increased after reports emerged that a group in South Africa had issued an ultimatum demanding undocumented migrants leave the country before June 30.
Earlier this month, migrants from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Somalia reportedly sought protection in Durban after receiving threats from some local groups.
South African authorities have condemned attacks against foreigners and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
Government officials in South Africa say they are strengthening immigration enforcement but insist that the law must be respected at all times.
According to South Africa’s statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals currently live in the country, representing just over five percent of the population.
Many of the Ghanaian returnees are now hoping for a fresh start back home after losing businesses, jobs and investments they worked hard to build over the years.
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