It appears that some Ghanaians living in South Africa are unwilling to return home despite efforts by the Ghanaian government to evacuate them following the recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

It may be recalled that a South African activist group has been making headlines after allegedly attacking Ghanaians living in the country and demanding that they return to Ghana or “face no peace.”

Following the development, the Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced plans to evacuate Ghanaians who wish to return home.

Amid the government’s efforts, Gossips24 Avenue interviewed a Ghanaian resident in South Africa on May 21, 2026, to find out whether some Ghanaians were willing to return to the country as planned by the government.

In the audio interview, the individual, who identified himself as PKay, explained that financial challenges are the main reason he and many others are reluctant to leave South Africa despite the ongoing tensions.

Evacuation of Ghanaians in South Africa postponed

According to him, many Ghanaians living in South Africa are working mainly to settle debts owed to individuals who sponsored their travel to the country.

He explained that before travelling to South Africa, a woman he referred to as his “madam” paid for his trip, and he, together with several others, is required to work and repay the money spent on them.

“It’s not a deliberate attempt to stay here, even though the government wants to help us. I have been in this country for close to four years. When I was coming, nobody told me the reality of what people are facing here.

“I have been here for three years, and what do I even have to show for it to return to Ghana? When I was travelling, my madam paid for my ticket. At the time, I only knew how to trim hair, but I had to learn how to do dreadlocks because barbering alone cannot sustain you.

“Immediately you arrive, you have to work for the first year just to settle your debt with your madam. Some of us even borrowed money in Ghana before travelling, so how can we return home without settling those debts, not to mention the responsibilities waiting for us back home?” he said.

PKay also shared details about how he survives through small group savings schemes, popularly known as “susu,” but noted that the money is often used to pay rent and other living expenses.

“Those of us who have finished paying our debts to our bosses are now into susu. Assuming everyone contributes 1,000 every month, by the time it gets to your turn to collect the money, you end up spending it on rent, family responsibilities, and other utilities. You can barely save anything, so life here is very difficult,” he added.

Watch the video below:



JHM/AM

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