The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the postponement of planned evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa due to logistical and legal requirements.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 20 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation, which was expected to begin on May, 21, 2026, had been postponed for a few days due to logistical and legal processes yet to be completed.

Watch as only one of 300 returnees turn up for evacuation from South Africa

According to the Ministry, authorities are currently working through essential procedures, including passenger screening, flight clearances, and coordination among the various institutions involved in the operation.

“The planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days to enable our High Commission meet these evacuation conditions,” the statement said.

More than 800 Ghanaians have so far registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, seeking assistance to leave South Africa as fears grow over escalating attacks against foreign nationals.

For many affected citizens, the delay means additional days of uncertainty and anxiety as they wait for arrangements to be finalised.

Some have reportedly been living in fear following renewed tensions in parts of South Africa, where migrants from other African countries have periodically become targets of xenophobic violence.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said officials from both Ghana and South Africa are working closely to speed up the evacuation process and ensure all requirements are met before flights begin.

Authorities in Accra also assured affected nationals that efforts were ongoing to guarantee their safe return home and thanked them for their patience during the delay.

The Ministry further pledged to continue updating the public “in a transparent and timely manner” as preparations for the evacuation continue.

NA/VPO