By Grace Zigah
The Government of Ghana has temporarily suspended registration for its ongoing voluntary evacuation exercise in South Africa after an overwhelming response from Ghanaians seeking to return home amid growing security concerns and xenophobic tensions in parts of the Southern African nation.
The decision, announced by Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, follows the registration of more than 1,500 Ghanaian nationals under the emergency repatriation programme launched by the government to assist citizens who wish to voluntarily return home.
In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, the High Commission explained that the suspension, which takes effect from Tuesday, June 2, is intended to allow officials sufficient time to process, verify, and screen the large volume of applications already received.
According to the mission, the temporary halt will enable both the High Commission and relevant South African Home Affairs authorities to conduct the necessary verification procedures to ensure the integrity and smooth execution of the evacuation programme.
“The temporary suspension is to enable the High Commission and the Home Affairs process and screen the large number of applications already received,” the statement noted.
Despite the suspension of new registrations, Ghanaian authorities emphasized that the evacuation programme remains active and has not been terminated.
The High Commission assured Ghanaians who have not yet enrolled that another registration window will be announced after the current batch of applications has been processed.
“The date of the next phase for the new registration will be communicated in due course,” the mission stated, stressing that “the repatriation exercise has not yet ended.”
The latest development comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to protect its citizens living in South Africa following reports of attacks, intimidation, and growing anti-immigrant sentiments directed at foreign nationals in some communities.
Last week, the government began evacuating affected Ghanaians with 300 evacuees after announcing a comprehensive support package for returnees.
The assistance package includes transportation support, financial assistance, reintegration allowances, psychosocial counselling services, and access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through a special government database.
The first batch of evacuees arrived at the Accra International Airport in late May, where they were received by government officials and provided with immediate support to facilitate their reintegration into Ghanaian society.
The evacuation exercise has attracted significant attention both locally and internationally, reflecting the concerns of many Ghanaians living in South Africa who have expressed fears over their safety and livelihoods amid recurring incidents of xenophobic violence.
Over the years, South Africa has periodically experienced outbreaks of anti-foreigner attacks, particularly targeting migrants from other African countries.
Previous waves of violence have affected citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and several other countries, often resulting in injuries, loss of property, displacement, and, in some cases, deaths.
The current repatriation programme forms part of the Mahama administration’s broader commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad and providing assistance during periods of crisis.
The Ghana High Commission expressed appreciation to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa for their cooperation, patience, and understanding throughout the registration process, describing their support as crucial to ensuring an orderly and effective evacuation operation.
