First Flight of Ghanaian Nationals Returns from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions
Approximately 300 Ghanaians repatriated following violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
ACCRA: The first flight carrying Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa over anti-immigrant tensions landed in Accra on Wednesday, greeted by the foreign minister and national songs played over the airport speakers.
It is anticipated that a total of 800 Ghanaians will be returning to their home country following organized repatriation flights arranged by Accra in response to recent protests and violence targeting both documented and undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
Victor Atsu Togbe, one of the roughly 300 returnees who arrived on Wednesday afternoon, expressed gratitude towards the Ghanaian government for facilitating their evacuation from what he described as the 'lion’s den'.
South Africa, known for being the most industrialized economy in Africa, has historically been a destination for legal and undocumented African workers.
However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, it has witnessed multiple outbreaks of xenophobic protests, including recent incidents.
A viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa addressed the returnees at the airport, assuring them that their safety would be ensured wherever they are located.
Additionally, he informed that 26 individuals who had been detained by South African authorities for visa violations were also onboard the flight.
According to South Africa’s Border Management Authority, approximately 90% of the travelers were undocumented, with most having overstayed their visas by over 30 days and some staying for a year or more.
Ghana's High Commissioner in South Africa criticized the South African immigration authorities for backlogs in processing applications for permit renewals.
Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to providing psycho-social support and financial reintegration packages for the returnees, emphasizing that the global community holds a responsibility to protect Ghanaians abroad.
The ongoing tensions have reignited discussions across Africa concerning xenophobia, migration, and the disparity between pan-African rhetoric and the realities faced by migrants on the continent.
An ultimatum issued by a citizen-led group for undocumented immigrants to be expelled by June 30 has raised concerns of further violence following past incidents that resulted in dozens of fatalities.
Earlier this month, several hundred individuals from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia sought refuge in Durban, claiming that locals were making door-to-door threats for them to leave by a specific date.
The South African government has announced increased enforcement measures against undocumented immigrants while urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands.
The nation is home to more than three million foreigners, representing 5.1% of its population, according to statistics from the country's agency.
Over 63% of these foreign nationals originate from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
It is anticipated that a total of 800 Ghanaians will be returning to their home country following organized repatriation flights arranged by Accra in response to recent protests and violence targeting both documented and undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
Victor Atsu Togbe, one of the roughly 300 returnees who arrived on Wednesday afternoon, expressed gratitude towards the Ghanaian government for facilitating their evacuation from what he described as the 'lion’s den'.
South Africa, known for being the most industrialized economy in Africa, has historically been a destination for legal and undocumented African workers.
However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, it has witnessed multiple outbreaks of xenophobic protests, including recent incidents.
A viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa addressed the returnees at the airport, assuring them that their safety would be ensured wherever they are located.
Additionally, he informed that 26 individuals who had been detained by South African authorities for visa violations were also onboard the flight.
According to South Africa’s Border Management Authority, approximately 90% of the travelers were undocumented, with most having overstayed their visas by over 30 days and some staying for a year or more.
Ghana's High Commissioner in South Africa criticized the South African immigration authorities for backlogs in processing applications for permit renewals.
Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to providing psycho-social support and financial reintegration packages for the returnees, emphasizing that the global community holds a responsibility to protect Ghanaians abroad.
The ongoing tensions have reignited discussions across Africa concerning xenophobia, migration, and the disparity between pan-African rhetoric and the realities faced by migrants on the continent.
An ultimatum issued by a citizen-led group for undocumented immigrants to be expelled by June 30 has raised concerns of further violence following past incidents that resulted in dozens of fatalities.
Earlier this month, several hundred individuals from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia sought refuge in Durban, claiming that locals were making door-to-door threats for them to leave by a specific date.
The South African government has announced increased enforcement measures against undocumented immigrants while urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands.
The nation is home to more than three million foreigners, representing 5.1% of its population, according to statistics from the country's agency.
Over 63% of these foreign nationals originate from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
