Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following an agreement reached with South African authorities.

According to a report by adomonline.com on May 24, 2026, he was speaking at a meeting with some Ghanaian nationals at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, when he disclosed that arrangements had been finalised for the first batch of evacuees to depart South Africa safely and arrive in Ghana by Tuesday afternoon.

“Fortunately, we have concluded with the South African authorities that our aircraft can come in by midnight on the 25th, so that by 5am, you set off because we don’t want you to reach Ghana at night. We want to have time to take you through the process and give the necessary assistance,” he said.

According to him, the timing of the evacuation is intended to ensure that returnees are received during the daytime to allow officials enough time to process and support them upon arrival.

“We anticipate that by 3pm you’ll be in Ghana,” he added.

Evacuation of Ghanaians in South Africa postponed

The government is expected to provide a structured reception package for the returnees, including financial assistance, transportation to their respective home regions, and psychosocial support services.

Ablakwa further disclosed that businessman Ibrahim Mahama has pledged 100 job opportunities for some of the returnees as part of efforts to help them reintegrate into society.

“Ibrahim Mahama has just informed us that he has a hundred jobs for some of you, which is a good challenge. We’ll speak to other CEOs to see how they can also help, so that the young ones who are still able to work do not idle at home,” he indicated.

The evacuation exercise follows weeks of appeals from members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa, many of whom raised concerns over worsening safety conditions.

Reports indicate that more than 800 Ghanaians registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance to return home after earlier evacuation plans faced logistical and legal setbacks.

MRA/EB

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