Avoid non-essential travel to South Africa over xenophobic attacks - Gov't tells Ghanaians

The government of Ghana has advised Ghanaians to "avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice" following a rise in xenophobic attacks. This travel advisory was issued on June 1. The government expressed "grave concern" over increasing attacks by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes, resulting in injuries, looting, destruction of property and the takeover of businesses owned by foreign nationals.

The attacks have specifically targeted Africans and have created growing security concerns for Ghanaian nationals living and working in South Africa. The government has lodged formal protests through diplomatic channels, summoned South Africa's Acting High Commissioner in Accra, and petitioned the African Union over the developments. Efforts have been made to evacuate affected Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. The government urged Ghanaians already residing in South Africa to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular services.

The government will continue working with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ghanaian nationals who wish to return home. Ghana has called on the South African government to take decisive action to protect foreign nationals and restore law and order. The government stated that it "remains focused on safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians both at home and overseas." 300 Ghanaians have been evacuated to Ghana, and 600 more who have indicated their willingness to return home are being processed to embark on the journey to Ghana.