Planned Evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa Faces Brief Delay, Minister Announces

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided an update on the planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, which was expected to begin on 21st May, 2026.

In a press release, the Ministry said the exercise has been temporarily deferred by a few days due to operational and legal requirements.

According to the statement, more than 800 Ghanaians have registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks. However, authorities explained that several conditions under South African law, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination, and flight permit arrangements, must first be fully met before the process can proceed.

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The Ministry noted that both Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed on enhanced pre-evacuation arrangements to speed up the process. “Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process,” the statement emphasized, adding that senior officials from both sides remain actively engaged on the matter.

Update on Evacuation from South Africa.

More than 800 Ghanaians have registered to be evacuated;

Senior Government Officials on both sides engaging on South African legal conditions, passenger screening, managing the high numbers and multi-institutional coordination as we… pic.twitter.com/iKl02aZaDN

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 21, 2026

Meanwhile, the update comes amid reports that the evacuation flight initially arranged saw very low turnout at OR Tambo International Airport, with only one Ghanaian reportedly showing up. The Government has assured citizens in South Africa that “best efforts are being pursued to ensure their safe return home,” while urging patience as final arrangements are completed.