A Ghanaian migrant who identified himself as Fredrick has decided it is time to return home, citing persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and daily fear as his main reasons for leaving.

Fredrick is among hundreds of Ghanaians currently preparing for voluntary repatriation.

According to a video shared on X on May 24, 2026, he explained that the constant threat of xenophobic attacks, coupled with everyday criminality, has made staying in the country unbearable.

Attacks on President Mahama must cease - Ghana's High Commissioner warns South Africans

“There is no place like home. We came to this country with the intention of greener pastures. But then, we realised that there is nothing much here for us. Coupled with rampant and constant xenophobic attacks and other things that come along with staying here, I felt it is better for me to go home,” he said in an interview with eNCA.

Although Frederick has not personally suffered xenophobic violence, he described life in Johannesburg as increasingly unsafe and unpredictable.

“Even if you are not in danger from xenophobic attacks or riots, there are a lot of things. People can come into your house, point a gun at you and rob you. Even in the streets, you are not safe,” he explained.

He added that the growing frustration towards migrants is not purely xenophobia, but rather a symptom of deeper systemic failures in South Africa.

“I do not think it's xenophobia; I think the system has failed. They are angry because the system has failed,” he added.

“Never. I can never come back to South Africa,” Frederick stated when asked whether he would consider returning to South Africa in the future.

Minority decries postponed South Africa evacuation plan

Meanwhile, the first group is expected to depart South Africa this week, with approximately 800 Ghanaian nationals having indicated their willingness to return home.

Watch the video here:

One of the 800 Ghanaian nationals expected to be repatriated to their home country on Wednesday says he can never return to South Africa as he is not safe. He had come to South Africa seeking a better life. #eNCA's @ManqobaMchunu is at Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria.… pic.twitter.com/utDpPqrPNE

— eNCA (@eNCA) May 24, 2026