Story perspectives

Ghana Repatriates 300 From South Africa, Promises Aid

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ghana chartered a repatriation flight from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport to Accra and pledged financial, psychological and social aid.
Approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals boarded, with about 800 registered for return.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met the arrivals at Accra’s airport, saying the government will support them.
South African immigration officials reported only ten passengers were legally present, noting analysts linked anti-immigrant protests to municipal elections and unemployment above 30 %.

History

Historical Context

In May 2008 xenophobic riots erupted in Alexandra, killing 62 people and prompting President Kgalema Motlanthe’s government to intervene. The violence established a pattern of recurring attacks that later led foreign ministries, including Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to arrange evacuations, exemplified by today’s reception of about 300 Ghanaian returnees from Johannesburg.

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Story summary

Ghana chartered a repatriation flight from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport to Accra and pledged financial, psychological and social aid.
Approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals boarded, with about 800 registered for return.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met the arrivals at Accra’s airport, saying the government will support them.
South African immigration officials reported only ten passengers were legally present, noting analysts linked anti-immigrant protests to municipal elections and unemployment above 30 %.

1 / 2