The Government of Ghana has begun repatriating another 1,000 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa as anti-migrant violence and hostility toward foreign nationals continue to escalate in parts of the country. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said special evacuation flights were scheduled to arrive on Sunday and Monday, marking the final phase of an operation that has already brought home more than 900 Ghanaians in recent weeks. Accra said it will seek compensation from the South African government for Ghanaian citizens who lost businesses, homes and other property during the attacks.
The government has also petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate whether the violence against foreign nationals amounts to crimes against humanity. Ghana, alongside Nigeria, has further called on the African Union (AU) to place the issue of xenophobic attacks high on the agenda at the bloc’s next summit, urging African leaders to develop a coordinated response to protect migrants across the continent. According to Ghanaian authorities, more than 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa since May following waves of violence targeting immigrants. The unrest has affected migrants from several African countries, many of whom had relocated to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities.
South Africa has long been a destination for workers from across the continent because of its relatively advanced economy. However, persistently high unemployment, economic inequality and social tensions have fueled recurring outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence, with foreign-owned businesses frequently targeted during periods of unrest. Ghana says it remains committed to supporting its returning citizens while continuing diplomatic efforts to ensure accountability and improve the safety of African migrants living in South Africa.
