Ghana mission in South Africa receives over 200 voluntary repatriation requests

Ghana’s mission in South Africa has received more than 200 requests from Ghanaians seeking to return home voluntarily following renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, disclosed that fear among Ghanaians in South Africa is rising, with many losing businesses and livelihoods, and hence are now opting to return home.

Ibrahim Mahama offers cement distribution depot to Ghanaian xenophobia survivor

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on May 12, 2026, he said the mission has been overwhelmed with requests for assistance to come back to Ghana.

“So, we’ve been asked by the minister to gather the names of the Ghanaians. After this evening, we have close to about 200 and something people who want to come back home,” he said.

He added that the government is preparing to support the returnees, including covering costs for those without valid travel documents.

“The Ministry is going to take up the cost so that we ensure that we bring them back home,” he said.

According to him, the situation has created fear among many Ghanaian residents who have lived and worked in South Africa for years.

He estimated that nearly 20,000 Ghanaians currently live in South Africa, working across different sectors, including mining, healthcare, and academia.

“So, these are people who believe that, over the years, they struggle, put up a business. Xenophobic attacks happen. They lose everything,” he said.

Quashie noted that some of the returnees are willing to restart life in Ghana after losing their investments abroad.

“So, they are saying that this time around, they want to come home and start life all over,” he added.

He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with institutions and businesses in Ghana to support reintegration and job placement for those returning.

The development comes after Ghanaian national Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah returned to Ghana following viral videos linked to recent xenophobic incidents.

Quashie confirmed that businessman Ibrahim Mahama has offered Asamoah employment.

“Fortunately, Ibrahim Mahama has decided to offer him employment, which he has gladly accepted,” he said.

Ghanaian man in viral xenophobic attack video in SA arrives in Ghana

He further explained that Mahama wants Asamoah’s experience to serve as motivation for other Ghanaians abroad.

“Ibrahim indicated to him that he wants him to be an ambassador so that other Ghanaians in other countries can look up to him and say, when they sacked him from one country, he got back to Ghana, and he was helped, and was able to make a difference in his life,” he said.

MAG/VPO

Africa no longer on the sidelines of global finance - BoG Governor