Approximately 800 Ghanaians living in South Africa have formally requested voluntary repatriation to Ghana, citing rising xenophobic attacks and safety concerns, according to the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
The request, confirmed by Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on May 20, 2026, follows a series of incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The Ghana High Commission has been processing the applications, with the first group of returnees expected to arrive in Accra within the next two weeks.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence against African immigrants, often linked to economic frustrations and high unemployment. The Ghanaian government has urged its citizens to remain calm while facilitating their safe return.
This development underscores ongoing challenges in South Africa's immigration and integration policies, as well as the broader issue of intra-African migration.
