Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Confirms Four Deaths as Stranded Ghanaians Urge Government to Resume South Africa Evacuations

Ghanaians currently stranded in South Africa have issued an urgent appeal to the government to reopen the voluntary evacuation program following the official conclusion of the exercise on September 4, 2026. The plea comes in the wake of escalating xenophobic violence that has already claimed the lives of four Ghanaian nationals between April and July of this year. While the government successfully repatriated 1,964 citizens during the initial phase, many remain trapped in increasingly perilous conditions, having lost their livelihoods, homes, and sense of security to targeted attacks by vigilante groups.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed the fatalities during a briefing on the government's diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that Ghana has demanded thorough investigations into the killings. The Minister highlighted that while nearly 2,000 individuals have been brought home since May 2026, the threat to those remaining is persistent. The violence, often fueled by local vigilante groups, has left many Ghanaians in a state of distress, particularly those who lack valid work permits and are unable to access local legal protections or employment.

Among those pleading for a second chance at evacuation is Margaret Amenuvegbe, a hairdresser who has lived in South Africa for 14 years. Amenuvegbe explained that many citizens who initially registered for the program failed to complete the process due to legitimate concerns regarding overcrowding and inadequate facilities at the temporary screening centers. She noted that these logistical fears, coupled with the rapid deterioration of the security situation, left a significant number of people behind when the final group of 41 returnees departed. "We are ready to return at a moment's notice," she stated, reflecting the desperation of those now facing homelessness and unemployment.

The Ghanaian government now faces mounting pressure to address the plight of those who missed the previous window. Beyond the immediate need for transportation, the situation has underscored broader issues regarding the status of the Ghanaian diaspora in South Africa, including the complexities of immigration documentation. As the Foreign Ministry continues its diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens, the stranded community emphasizes that a renewed evacuation window is the only viable solution to prevent further loss of life and restore the dignity of those caught in the crossfire of xenophobic unrest.