Ghanaians who are being evacuated from South Africa due to rising violent xenophobic attacks on foreigners are guaranteed an immediate relief, safe return, and reintegration assistance as the government announces a support package ahead of their return.

In a formal notice shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle today, Wednesday, May 20, the Minister of the sector, Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced in a five-itemised infographic notice that they shall be entitled to a “Welcome home financial package, transportation assistance to their various destinations across Ghana and a reintegration allowance…”

Also, the government is not just offering financial support but also providing “free psychosocial support” for the potential victims of trauma and violence. They will receive counselling and medical support to aid recovery.

Also, jobs will be provided to them. “Entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities”, part of the notice read.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the intervention as part of the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and supporting them in times of crisis.

“We value and cherish all our citizens,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the first batch of 300 Ghanaians living in South Africa will be evacuated through a special chartered flight scheduled for Thursday, May 21.

President John Dramani Mahama approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The decision was announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on May 13 after Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, reported growing fears among Ghanaians living in the country, prompting many to consider returning home.

The affected individuals had registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria in response to an earlier advisory issued by the ministry.

The government assured the public of its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad amid concerns over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Earlier, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, disclosed that many Ghanaians affected by the attacks had lost their businesses and sources of livelihood.

He revealed that Ghana’s mission in South Africa had received requests from more than 200 Ghanaians seeking voluntary repatriation due to fears over the resurgence of xenophobic violence.

The situation gained further attention after Ghanaian national Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, who featured in a viral video linked to the attacks, returned to Ghana and was offered employment by businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

According to Mr Quashie, the offer was intended to support the returnee and serve as an encouragement to Ghanaians abroad facing difficult circumstances, demonstrating that opportunities remained available for those who chose to return home.

When the attacks started in SA and why ?

News of the xenophobic attacks surfaced after videos of nationals were captured attacking foreign nationals, showing harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, over economic strain, including the over 40% unemployment, housing pressures, misinformation, including reports of foreign nationals taking over SA markets, while groups like Operation Dudula and “Put South Africa First” campaigns openly demand foreigners leave, documented or not.

Is this the first time xenophobic attacks are happening in SA?

The recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners by South AFrican nationas isn't the first. SA has a history of violent xenophobic attacks dating as far back as 1998.

In 1998, three foreign nationals were killed in Johannesburg. Two years later, seven more were killed in Cape Town.

After a long quiet in the attacks, the worst in SA's history happened in 2008 when sixty‑two (62) people lost their lives, 1,700 were injured, and about 100,000 were displaced nationwide cementing xenophobia as a recurring national crisis.

In 2015, violence flared again after inflammatory remarks by the Zulu King. The unrest spread across the country, forcing the government to deploy the military to restore order.

By 2019, riots erupted in Durban and Johannesburg, with Nigerian‑owned businesses being specifically targeted.

More recently, between 2022 and 2025, smaller but persistent flare‑ups were linked to vigilante movements such as Operation Dudula. These included blocking foreigners from accessing health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, reflecting how xenophobia had become embedded in everyday life.