Avoid non-essential travel to South Africa — Foreign Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals.
In a statement released on Monday, June 1, 2026, the ministry said groups identifying themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes had carried out attacks that led to injuries, looting, destruction of property and the closure of businesses.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel arrangements and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the statement said.
The ministry also encouraged Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa to stay in regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for updates and consular support.
The advisory comes after a number of diplomatic steps taken by the Ghanaian government in response to the attacks.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to formally express Ghana’s concerns over xenophobic incidents affecting Ghanaians.
The ministry referenced a confirmed case involving a Ghanaian resident in KwaZulu-Natal who was allegedly threatened and ordered to leave South Africa despite living there legally.
Ghana has also petitioned the African Union Commission to include the matter on the agenda of the Eighth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from June 24 to 27, 2026.
In its petition, Ghana described the attacks as a serious continental issue, citing deaths, destruction of businesses and growing insecurity among African nationals living in South Africa.
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation reportedly described Ghana’s move to escalate the issue to the African Union as unfortunate, but said President Cyril Ramaphosa had condemned xenophobia and directed security agencies to protect all residents.
On May 12, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama authorised the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians who had registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
The first group of 300 evacuees arrived at Kotoka International Airport on May 27 aboard a government-chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Receiving the returnees, Mr Ablakwa announced a support package that includes transport assistance, temporary accommodation, counselling services, financial aid, and access to employment and business opportunities.
He also revealed that 26 Ghanaians detained in South African prisons over visa-related offences had been released after negotiations between both governments.
“We negotiated with the South African government that since we have evacuated our nationals, we did not want to leave anyone behind in prison, and they agreed,” Mr Ablakwa said.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, disclosed that 826 Ghanaians had registered for evacuation, with additional flights expected to return more citizens home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has further urged the South African government to guarantee the safety of African nationals and ensure law and order.
It added that Ghana will continue engaging South African authorities to support the evacuation of citizens who wish to return home.
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