The Government of Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals.
In a travel advisory issued on June 1, the government expressed grave concern over increasing attacks allegedly carried out by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes. The incidents have reportedly resulted in injuries, looting, destruction of property, business closures and the forceful takeover of enterprises owned by foreign nationals.
According to the advisory, African migrants have been the primary targets of the attacks, raising serious security concerns for Ghanaians living and working in South Africa.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana has observed with great concern the increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeted at Africans by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes, which have resulted in injuries, closure and takeover of businesses, looting and loss of properties,” the statement said.
The government disclosed that it has already undertaken several diplomatic and protective measures in response to the developments. These include lodging formal protests through diplomatic channels, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union and coordinating the evacuation of affected Ghanaian nationals.
“The Mahama Administration has taken a number of steps, including conveying formal protests at the highest diplomatic level, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union and evacuating our nationals,” the statement noted.
Authorities revealed that approximately 300 Ghanaians have already been evacuated from South Africa and returned home safely. In addition, about 600 more Ghanaian nationals who have expressed a desire to return are currently being processed for evacuation.
As a precaution, the government urged citizens planning trips to South Africa to reconsider their travel arrangements and postpone non-essential journeys until the security situation improves.
“The Government of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the advisory stated.
Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have also been encouraged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in South Africa to facilitate access to consular assistance and emergency support.
“Ghanaian nationals in the country are urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular services,” the statement added.
The government further assured citizens that it would continue working closely with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of nationals who wish to return home.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities of the Republic of South Africa to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals to ensure their safety,” it said.
Meanwhile, Ghana has called on the South African government to take decisive action to protect foreign nationals and restore law and order. The advisory urged authorities to provide adequate security for affected African communities and uphold the principles of Pan-Africanism and continental integration.
The latest travel advisory underscores growing concerns about the safety of Ghanaians abroad and reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they reside.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana reiterates its commitment to prioritising the welfare of Ghanaian nationals at home and abroad,” the statement concluded.
