Ghana has flown home 216 citizens from South Africa over three days amid continuing anti‑migrant violence, and hundreds more have registered to return after Accra evacuated nearly 1,000 nationals in May and June. The unrest, directed at people suspected of being irregular migrants from several African countries, has seen many homes and businesses looted. South African officials say over 25,000 foreign nationals have left or been deported, the African Union has demanded an explanation, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks.
Ghana Repatriates 216 Citizens From South Africa Amid Widespread Anti‑Migrant Violence
FILE PHOTO - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attends a press conference. (is associated with: «Ghana is repatriating hundreds of its citizens from South Africa») Kay Nietfeld/dpa
The Ghanaian government has repatriated 216 citizens from South Africa over three days following outbreaks of violence targeting people suspected of being irregular migrants, the Foreign Ministry said.
Background and Recent Evacuations
Hundreds more Ghanaians living in South Africa have registered to return home, the ministry added. Accra previously evacuated nearly 1,000 nationals during operations in May and June as unrest persisted.
Regional Impact
The recent surge in applications to return follows months of violent attacks directed at people suspected of living in South Africa without documentation. Victims include nationals from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, and many homes and businesses belonging to foreign Africans were looted during the disturbances.
Official Responses
South African authorities say more than 25,000 foreign nationals have recently left the country or been deported. The African Union has said it will demand an official explanation from South Africa about the riots, while the Nigerian government is documenting material losses suffered by its citizens to seek compensation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly condemned the attacks, stressing that irregular migrants should not be scapegoated for South Africa's broader socio‑economic challenges.
Organisers and Claims
The protests have been organised by a civil society movement called March and March, which has adopted increasingly forceful rhetoric calling for stricter immigration enforcement and mass deportations. The group alleges, without presenting evidence, that undocumented foreigners contribute to crime and unemployment.
Ghana's ongoing repatriation flights form part of a wider regional response as governments and international bodies seek explanations, accountability and protections for affected migrants.
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