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First group of Ghanaians leaves South Africa
Ghanaian officials began flying home the first batch of 800 registered citizens from Johannesburg early Wednesday, following rising tensions over illegal immigration in South Africa.
Early morning departures at OR Tambo Airport
Dozens of buses chartered by the Ghanaian embassy arrived at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport around 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT). The vehicles carried men, women, and children of all ages. A smaller group, separated from the main passengers, arrived in a police van under supervision.
Embassy and airport staff verified all travelers before departure. Authorities confirmed that 300 people would leave Wednesday, with the remaining 500 undergoing final screening for later flights.
Why Ghanaians are leaving
Recent protests against illegal immigration in South African cities have fueled fears of renewed xenophobic violence. Demonstrators, organized by the group March and March, accuse undocumented migrants of straining public services and have set a 30 June deadline for their departure.
"It's not comfortable for us to stay here anymore. We have to go. I think we will find peace at home."
Rudolph, Ghanaian salon owner in South Africa for 10 years
Rudolph, who spoke to the BBC, expressed concern that escalating protests-starting in Durban and spreading to other provinces-could turn violent. He said he would not return to South Africa.
Ghana's response and reintegration plans
Ghanaian High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie told the BBC the government acted after citizens reported feeling unsafe and economically paralyzed. "It is the responsibility of every government to ensure its citizens are taken care of, both at home and abroad," he said.
Quashie added that Ghana has a reintegration strategy to help returnees restart businesses they operated in South Africa. "We're also helping the South African economy by removing undocumented migrants," he noted.
Broader context of anti-migrant sentiment
An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians live in South Africa. Analysts suggest the recent surge in anti-migrant protests may be linked to upcoming local elections in November.
South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence: in 2019, at least 12 people were killed in attacks on foreigners, while 62 died in similar incidents in 2008. Protest organizers insist their demonstrations have been peaceful, though the government has condemned criminal acts targeting migrants while acknowledging the need to address illegal immigration.
