Full Breakdown
Ghana Repatriates Citizens from South Africa Amid Anti-Immigrant Protests
5/28/2026, 1:27:38 AM
Voluntary Repatriation of Ghanaian Nationals
On 27 May 2026 a chartered flight departed Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport carrying roughly 300 Ghanaian nationals—official counts vary between 297 and 300. The passengers, including women and children, arrived in Accra later that day. Ghana’s foreign ministry described the operation as a voluntary repatriation programme responding to safety concerns expressed by its diaspora.
Background: Anti-Immigrant Protests in South Africa
Since early May, the citizen-led movement March and March has organised demonstrations in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and other cities, demanding stricter immigration controls and setting a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave. Protesters link illegal migration to high unemployment (over 30 percent), pressure on public services and upcoming local elections in November. The rallies have been accompanied by isolated incidents of violence against migrants from several sub-Saharan nations.
Key Figures & Groups
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister – welcomed returnees at Accra’s airport.
- Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa – coordinated the evacuation and announced a reintegration strategy.
- Unnamed South African immigration official – noted that only 10 of the 300 departing Ghanaians held legal status.
- Stephen van Neel, head of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs – confirmed about 30 returnees had been detained at Lindela Repatriation Centre.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa – condemned xenophobia, stating “there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilization, intolerance of violence.”
- March and March – protest organizers.
- Nigerian foreign ministry – expressed disapproval of attacks on its citizens and considered similar evacuations.
Timeline
- Early May – Protests begin in Durban, spread nationwide.
- 30 June – Protesters issue deadline for undocumented migrants.
- 27 May – First repatriation flight departs Johannesburg.
- Following days – Additional flights planned; Ghana reports 800 – 890 registrations.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated 25,000 Ghanaians reside in South Africa.
- First flight: ? 300 passengers (officially 297).
- Registrations: ? 800 (others cite 890).
- Legal status: 10 of 300 were documented.
- Detentions: ? 30 held at Lindela.
- Past xenophobic attacks: 62 deaths (2008), 12 deaths (2019).
Why It Matters
The evacuation tests Ghana-South Africa diplomatic ties, highlights migrant vulnerability, and underscores how immigration can become a flashpoint ahead of elections. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area in protecting mobile workers.
Official Statements & Responses
Ghana’s officials emphasized a duty to protect citizens abroad and announced a reintegration programme to help returnees restart businesses. The South African government condemned xenophobic acts, pledged stricter enforcement of immigration law, and affirmed that the repatriations do not signal diplomatic strain.
Criticism & Opposition
Migrant-rights groups argue that foreign nationals are being scapegoated for South Africa’s economic woes. Nigeria’s foreign minister warned that attacks on its citizens could trigger reciprocal actions. Analysts note that the protests may be leveraged politically ahead of the November local elections.
On-the-Ground Reports
Salon owner Rudolph, who has lived in South Africa for ten years, said, “It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home.” A mother and her two children were denied boarding because the children lacked birth certificates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of passengers (297 vs 300) and total registrants (800 vs 890). While one official cites 10 legal migrants, another provides no precise figure. Details on the schedule of subsequent flights remain vague.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” — Rudolph, Ghanaian salon owner
- “The Ghanaian government listened to the plight of its citizens in South Africa, who felt that their lives were in danger, who felt like the economic activity that they were engaging in had come to a standstill, who felt unwelcome in this country,” — Benjamin Quashie, High Commissioner
- “What we found is that of the 300, only 10 of them are legal in the country, so quite a number of them are in non-compliance to our immigration act.” — South African immigration official (anonymous)
- “there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilization, intolerance of violence.” — President Cyril Ramaphosa
- “What we found is that, obviously, we got the list and one of the areas that we were concerned about was that not many of them had actual documents,” — Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration
What’s Next
Ghana plans additional chartered flights until all 800-plus registered citizens have returned. The 30 June deadline set by March and March remains a focal point, with the risk of heightened tensions if protests intensify. South Africa’s upcoming local elections are expected to shape the policy response to illegal immigration and may influence the trajectory of anti-xenophobic sentiment.
