Hundreds of Ghanaian nationals have begun returning home from South Africa following a surge in anti-immigrant protests that have raised fears about their safety.
Truth Live News International learnt from the Reuters , around 300 people gathered at Johannesburg’s main airport to board one of the first evacuation flights. The group included women and children, all participating in what officials described as a voluntary return process for those who no longer feel secure staying in the country.
Authorities from both Ghana and South Africa are coordinating efforts, with approximately 800 individuals reportedly expressing interest in leaving. An immigration official revealed that only a small fraction of those departing had valid legal status, suggesting that many were residing in the country without proper documentation.
The departures come after weeks of protests driven by frustration over unemployment and crime, issues some demonstrators have blamed on undocumented migrants. These tensions have, in some cases, escalated into violence targeting foreign nationals from other African countries.
One returning Ghanaian shared that ongoing harassment influenced the decision to leave, noting that living under constant disturbance made it difficult to remain.
Human rights groups argue that migrants are being unfairly blamed for broader economic challenges, including South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which exceeds 30%.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, stated that the repatriation effort aims to reduce tensions while maintaining diplomatic relations between both nations. He emphasized the need for cooperation in addressing undocumented migration while allowing institutions to function effectively.
Meanwhile, South African authorities have condemned attacks on foreigners and reiterated their commitment to preventing xenophobic violence, stressing that such actions go against the country’s democratic values.