On Monday, May 27, 2024, a total of 295 Ghanaians were successfully evacuated from South Africa to their home country. The returnees are part of over 1,000 Ghanaian nationals who registered for voluntary exit from South Africa following recent protests against illegal immigrants in the country.
Evacuation Details
Initially, 300 individuals were scheduled to be flown out. However, according to South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), five were denied exit due to pending documentation issues. One returnee had sought asylum in South Africa and could not leave without canceling the application. Another had an expired passport and did not obtain an Emergency Travel Certificate from the embassy. A third person attempted to travel with two of her sister’s children without a letter of authorization.
Mixed Emotions on Arrival
The returnees arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Ghana with mixed feelings. While some thanked God for their safe return, others expressed sadness at leaving South Africa empty-handed after years of building their lives and businesses. A trending video captures a woman wailing as she disembarks from the plane in Ghana.
The evacuation underscores the challenges faced by Ghanaian immigrants in South Africa amid rising xenophobia. Many returnees now face an uncertain future as they reintegrate into their home country.
