Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that 1,964 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa following a deterioration in security conditions and a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation exercise, which commenced on May 27, 2026, and ended on September 4, 2026, was carried out using a combination of chartered and commercial flights.
Mr Ablakwa made the disclosure at a press briefing on Monday, September 7, 2026, explaining that the government took swift action to prioritise the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals as tensions escalated.
According to the Minister, Ghana was the first country to evacuate its nationals from South Africa in response to the worsening security situation.
The first evacuation flight departed South Africa on May 27 and prioritised vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly and persons who were sick.
The exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with support from the Presidency, the National Security Secretariat and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Evacuation Cost GH¢49.72 Million
Mr Ablakwa explained that the evacuation had not been anticipated and was therefore not included in the government’s original budget.
He said the government, nevertheless, had to act swiftly to protect Ghanaian nationals despite the unexpected financial implications.
“The lives protected and the dignity of Ghanaians far outweigh the cost,” he said.
The Minister said the evacuation formed part of the government’s broader diplomatic and consular response to the deteriorating security situation in South Africa.
The total cost of the exercise amounted to GH¢49.72 million, covering flights, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care, reintegration support and the repatriation of the remains of two Ghanaians who died during the crisis.
Of the total expenditure, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.
Returnees Receive Reintegration Support
Mr Ablakwa further disclosed that each of the 1,964 returnees received GH¢5,000 in reintegration support, in addition to GH¢500 for transportation.
He assured Ghanaians abroad that the government remained committed to protecting their safety and welfare and would continue to take decisive action whenever Ghanaian nationals faced serious threats in their host countries.
The evacuation also underscores the government’s broader commitment to strengthening Ghana’s diplomatic and consular response to crises affecting citizens living and working abroad.
