The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a short delay in the planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, citing legal and logistical requirements that must be met before the operation can proceed.
In a statement dated Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Ministry said the evacuation, which was scheduled to begin today, has been deferred by a few days.
The government noted that more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
According to the Ministry, the deferral is to allow the High Commission to meet South African legal conditions.
These include mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and securing flight permits.
Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process.
The Ministry added that “senior government officials on both sides remain actively engaged on this important exercise.”
The Government assured nationals in South Africa that “best efforts are being pursued to ensure their safe return home” and commended them for their “remarkable understanding and patience.”
The Ministry pledged to continue updating the public “in a transparent and timely manner consistent with our good governance traditions.”
