A total of 132 Ghanaians have returned home from South Africa under the government’s voluntary repatriation programme following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The latest group arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Monday, July 27, where they were received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and other government officials.
Welcoming the returnees, Mr. Ablakwa assured them of the government’s continued support, stressing that they should regard their return as a homecoming rather than displacement.
“You have never been orphaned, you have never been refugees, you have never been destitute. You are not people without a home, people without a country, people without a government. You have never been people who do not have loved ones back in Ghana,” he said.
He added, “We are very honoured and privileged to welcome you, our brothers and sisters, back home. We give glory to the Almighty for bringing all of you back safely.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister explained that the latest operation forms part of the second phase of the government’s evacuation exercise for Ghanaians who no longer feel safe following the attacks in South Africa.
According to him, the first phase, conducted a few months ago, saw about 900 Ghanaians repatriated from various provinces after many were forced to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter.
“This is the second round of evacuations we are conducting. We did the first round a couple of months ago. We brought in about 900 Ghanaians from various provinces in South Africa who felt unsafe. Some of you came under attack, and some of you fled your homes to seek shelter,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa also commended the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for providing temporary shelter to affected Ghanaians during the crisis. He said the churches suspended their regular services and opened their premises to accommodate those awaiting evacuation.
“The Church of Pentecost demonstrated what Christ taught us and what it means to be Christ-like. They suspended church services and offered their premises to fleeing Ghanaians as shelter while awaiting the government’s evacuation,” he stated.
The minister conveyed the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama, the government and the people of Ghana to the church for what he described as an outstanding humanitarian gesture.
He noted that persistent security concerns for some Ghanaians in South Africa had made the second phase of the voluntary repatriation exercise necessary.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the second phase, which commenced on Sunday, July 26, 2026, is expected to facilitate the return of 1,000 Ghanaians.
“So far, 132 (25+37+70) nationals have been safely repatriated to Ghana using commercial flights, and 84 more are expected before the close of day on Tuesday, July 28, 2026,” he said.
Source: citinews
