BY ISSAH OLEGOR
The Government of Ghana has received the remains of one of two Ghanaian nationals who reportedly lost their lives in recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as authorities intensify diplomatic efforts to bring home the body of the second victim.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed the development at the Accra International Airport on Monday, July 27, 2026, where government officials gathered to receive Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following the attacks.
The development marks another troubling chapter in the recurring problem of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa and has prompted the Ghanaian government to step up efforts to protect citizens who have become concerned about their safety.
Ablakwa said the government had successfully received the body of one of the two Ghanaian victims and was continuing engagements with South African authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the second.
He assured the bereaved families that the government would remain engaged until the outstanding remains had been returned to Ghana.
Government officials, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies were at the airport as the latest group of Ghanaian nationals arrived home.
A minute’s silence was also observed in memory of the Ghanaians who lost their lives in connection with the attacks.
The evacuation followed a communiqué issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry over the weekend announcing arrangements to assist Ghanaian nationals who wished to leave South Africa amid concerns over the violence.
The returnees were expected to undergo the required immigration, security and welfare procedures, with relevant state institutions providing support towards their reintegration after returning home.
Beyond evacuating citizens who want to leave South Africa, the government says it is pursuing accountability for the attacks and engaging South African authorities over measures to protect Ghanaians who remain in the country.
