The Impact of Xenophobic Attacks on Ghanaians Will Be Felt for Years, Says Prof. Mawuko-Yevugah

Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, May 30, Prof. Mawuko-Yevugah said the disturbing scenes surrounding the attacks would have a lasting impact on Ghanaians who experienced or witnessed them. He also praised the Government of Ghana for swiftly evacuating citizens who expressed a desire to return home. “This demonstrates that a sovereign state has a responsibility to protect its citizens. It is commendable that the government stepped in and brought them home,” he stated. The first batch of evacuated Ghanaians arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, May 27, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. The arrival marked the beginning of a government-led repatriation programme aimed at safeguarding Ghanaians affected by renewed hostility toward foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. Reacting to the successful evacuation, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa wrote on his X account: “Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah must be proud of us. More evacuation flights next week. For God and Country.” The initial flight carried 300 Ghanaian nationals, who were welcomed by senior government officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff. The officials were joined by representatives of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), who provided the returnees with food and other relief items to support their immediate needs. Government officials indicated that a broader reintegration package is being developed to assist the evacuees in rebuilding their lives. The package is expected to include financial support, assistance with business registration, and other resettlement interventions. The evacuation operation was coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The exercise follows growing concerns among Ghanaians living in South Africa amid reports of attacks, intimidation, and increasing hostility directed at foreign nationals. Authorities had initially planned to begin the evacuation on May 21, but the exercise was delayed after a significantly higher number of Ghanaians registered than expected. The increase in registrations required additional logistical arrangements, including flight scheduling, travel documentation processing, and accommodation planning. South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence over the years, with foreign nationals—particularly migrants from other African countries—often targeted during periods of economic hardship and social tension. Major outbreaks were recorded in 2008, 2015, and 2019, drawing widespread condemnation across the continent. Several returnees on the first evacuation flight described living in fear before deciding to leave, saying the deteriorating security situation left them with little choice but to return home. Government officials have confirmed that additional flights are being arranged to evacuate more Ghanaians who have registered for assistance.