John Mahama has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in parts of the country.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a statement shared via his X handle.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier complied with an advisory issued by the Foreign Ministry and registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation support.
Ablakwa stated, “His Excellency John Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa. These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.”
He further assured that the Ghanaian government remains committed to protecting its citizens both within the country and abroad.
The evacuation move comes amid growing reports of attacks, harassment, and intimidation directed at foreign nationals and foreign-owned businesses, particularly in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and Durban.
Other African countries have also begun taking similar precautionary measures in response to the situation.
In Nigeria’s case, the government, through Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced a voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.
Reports indicate that over 130 Nigerians have already registered with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa for assistance to return home, with the number expected to increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of crisis notification centres to provide support and assistance for distressed Nigerians affected by the attacks.
Elijah Adeyemi
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