Ghana has delayed the planned evacuation of more than 800 citizens from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The move came after a viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man living in South Africa triggered outrage across social media and reignited debate around migrant safety in the country.
The victim, identified as Emmanuel Asamoah, has since safely returned to Ghana.
Evacuation Delayed Due To Legal Procedures
Earlier this month, Ghana’s foreign ministry announced plans to evacuate citizens who wished to leave South Africa following rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner sentiment.
The evacuation process was expected to begin on Thursday, with approximately 800 Ghanaian nationals scheduled to return home.
However, Ghanaian authorities confirmed that the operation had been postponed due to logistical challenges and legal requirements imposed by South African authorities.
In a statement, the ministry said the delay was linked to mandatory passenger screening procedures, flight permit approvals, and coordination between multiple government institutions.
“Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the ministry stated.
Officials from both Ghana and South Africa have reportedly agreed to speed up the remaining administrative processes.
Despite the planned evacuation, AFP journalists reported that only one Ghanaian citizen arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday.
The Ghanaian government has also promised reintegration assistance, including financial support and psycho-social services, for citizens returning from South Africa.
Xenophobia Debate Resurfaces Across Africa
The incident has once again drawn attention to xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign African migrants have periodically faced attacks, intimidation, and discrimination over the years.
The circulation of the assault video reignited wider discussions across the continent about migration, African unity, and the gap between pan-African ideals and the experiences of migrants living in other African countries.
Ghana has increasingly pushed for the African Union to address xenophobia more directly, arguing that repeated attacks on migrants threaten continental integration efforts and free movement policies under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South Africa has previously faced criticism from several African governments following outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence, particularly in major urban areas where unemployment, crime, and economic frustrations often fuel tensions.
While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned xenophobic attacks, concerns remain among migrant communities about their long-term safety and security.
The latest developments are expected to further intensify continental discussions around migration policy, social cohesion, and the protection of African migrants within Africa itself.
Source: AFP
