First Ghanaians Evacuated From South Africa Land in Accra After Xenophobic Attacks

The first group of Ghanaian citizens evacuated from South Africa amid a wave of anti-immigrant violence has landed safely in Accra, bringing an end to a harrowing chapter for hundreds of families.

The evacuation, organised by the Ghanaian government, follows recent protests in South Africa that raised fears of a resurgence in xenophobic violence. The tension has been building for weeks, with foreign-owned businesses targeted and communities on edge. For many Ghanaian residents in South Africa, the decision to leave was not easy — but it felt necessary.

"I have lived in South Africa for 15 years. I built a life there," one returnee said as she stepped off the plane in Accra. "But when your safety is threatened, there is no choice. Home is home."

The Ghanaian government has said it will assist returnees with reintegration, offering temporary housing, job placement services, and counselling for those who need it. But for many, the trauma of being forced to flee a place they called home will take time to heal.

The situation has strained relations between Ghana and South Africa, with Ghanaian officials calling for stronger protections for African migrants across the continent. The principle of free movement within Africa — enshrined in the African Union's Agenda 2063 — remains more aspiration than reality.

For Amara's coverage of West African affairs, this story hits close to home. The ties between West Africa and Southern Africa run deep, and events in Johannesburg reverberate all the way to Dakar.

This is Amara Diop for Global1 News, reporting from Dakar. 🇸🇳