Ablakwa explains delay in evacuation of next batch of Ghanaians from South Africa

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ghanaian government is awaiting approval from South African authorities to airlift the second batch of Ghanaians seeking evacuation following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

According to him, all arrangements have been completed and Ghana is only waiting for flight permits to enable chartered aircraft to transport the registered nationals back home.

Government praised for rapid evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa

Speaking to the media at a summit on Monday, June 1, 2026, Ablakwa said the number of Ghanaians seeking evacuation continues to rise.

"The final batch of Ghanaians in South Africa have all now registered. We have a little above 600. Earlier, those who wrote their names were in the region of 800, but it's clear that we'll have to go beyond that. We are now exceeding 900," he said.

He noted that President John Dramani Mahama has directed that no Ghanaian in distress should be left behind and assured affected Ghanaians that government remains committed to their safety and welfare.

"Thanks to the compassionate leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, he has said that all Ghanaians in harm's way, in distress, who are being harassed, are being dehumanized, we should not leave anyone behind," Ablakwa stated.

"So, I can assure you that all is set for the next batch to arrive. We are just waiting for the South African authorities to finalize our request for the flight permits so that our chartered jets can move in and bring all the Ghanaians who have registered," he added.

The minister stressed that Ghana's foreign policy prioritises the protection of citizens abroad.

"Our foreign policy is that of compassion, is that of leaving no Ghanaian behind and so we are going to make sure that all Ghanaians are safely taken out of harm's way," he stressed.

Ablakwa also rejected claims that the Ghanaians seeking evacuation are illegal migrants or individuals involved in criminal activities.

He explained that documentation submitted by those registered for evacuation shows that the majority are legally resident in South Africa.

"Contrary to a lot of disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda out there, the vast majority of Ghanaians we have registered, we've looked at their documentation, these are legal migrants. Disregard all those claims that these are people who are illegal migrants. It is not true at all," he clarified.

He further revealed that the registration exercise is being conducted in collaboration with South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, which screens applicants against its database.

"What is beautiful about the registration we are doing is that we do it in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African authorities, who are there at our High Commission to check for people who they are looking for in their database, people who are wanted, suspected criminals," he noted.

According to him, no Ghanaian registered for evacuation has been identified as a person of interest to South African authorities.

Ghanaian Miners appeal for evacuation from South Africa

"So far, not a single Ghanaian is of interest to the South African authorities," Ablakwa said.

He therefore dismissed suggestions that Ghanaians are responsible for crime or insecurity in South Africa, insisting that available evidence does not support such claims.



MAG/VPO

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