President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana remains committed to welcoming Africans home despite reports of expulsions and hostility against Africans in some countries.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s first e-Visa service portal on May 25, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana would continue to stand by its citizens and other Africans seeking safety and support.

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“While some countries are expelling fellow Africans and making them feel unwelcome, Ghana proudly welcomes them and affirms that this is their home,” he said.

His comments come amid efforts by the Ghanaian government to evacuate some nationals from South Africa following recent tensions and concerns of xenophobia affecting sections of the Ghanaian community there.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the evacuation process will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after discussions with South African authorities.

Ablakwa disclosed that arrangements had been completed for the first batch of evacuees to return safely to Ghana.

“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.

He added that the returnees are expected to arrive in Ghana by Tuesday afternoon.

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

According to Ablakwa, the government has planned a support package for the evacuees, including financial assistance, transportation to their home regions and psychosocial support services to help them reintegrate.

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Meanwhile, the new system allows travellers to apply for, pay for, and receive visas electronically without physically visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

All African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business purposes would now apply for visas exclusively through the new online system and would not pay visa fees.



MAG/VPO

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