Ghana says it will evacuate approximately 300 citizens from South Africa following recent protests targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on X that President John Mahama had approved the “immediate evacuation” of Ghanaian nationals who had requested assistance.
According to Ablakwa, the affected citizens had registered with the Ghanaian embassy in Pretoria after the foreign ministry issued an advisory in response to what it described as a recent wave of xenophobic attacks.
The move comes amid growing tensions over protests against illegal immigration in South Africa, particularly in Durban and other areas, where demonstrators have demanded the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Protesters argue that illegal immigration has contributed to unemployment, pressure on housing and rising crime levels.
Last week, South African authorities denied reports of attacks on foreign nationals, saying widely circulated videos on social media were fake or misleading.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday condemned what he described as isolated acts of criminality directed at foreign nationals, saying they did not reflect official government policy.
Ramaphosa added that government would continue efforts to regulate migration, secure borders and enforce immigration laws.
The Ghanaian embassy in South Africa has since urged its nationals to exercise caution, avoid public gatherings and temporarily close shops and businesses in Durban ahead of planned protests on Wednesday.
Ghana and Nigeria have both summoned South African envoys in recent days over concerns about the treatment and safety of their citizens.
Ghana has also formally approached the African Union, requesting discussions on the issue, which it says poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of Africans living in South Africa.
South Africa’s government has rejected claims of widespread attacks, insisting it has “nothing to hide” and condemning the spread of false videos and images online.
Other African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have also issued safety advisories to their citizens living in South Africa.
According to official statistics, South Africa is home to more than three million foreign nationals, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher due to undocumented migration.
Xenophobia has remained a longstanding issue in the country and has periodically erupted into violent attacks targeting foreign nationals.