General News of Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Evacuated Ghanaian reveals scars of xenophobic attacks in South Africa

A picture of the Evacuee A picture of the Evacuee

A Ghanaian who was recently evacuated from South Africa has emotionally recounted the ordeal he endured during a wave of xenophobic attacks, displaying visible marks on his body that he said were inflicted during the violence.

In a video shared by CDR Africa, the man is seen showing injuries on various parts of his body, claiming they were sustained during attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The images have renewed concerns about the safety of African migrants living in the country amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment.

Ghanaians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Safely in Accra Today

The victim's account offers a human face to a crisis that has forced hundreds of Ghanaians to abandon their livelihoods and return home out of fear for their safety. For many of those affected, the decision to leave behind jobs, businesses and years of hard work was driven by concerns that the violence could escalate further.

The latest testimony comes as Ghana continues a large-scale evacuation exercise for citizens who have expressed a desire to return home following the attacks.

Ghanaian authorities have been working with their South African counterparts to facilitate the safe return of affected nationals. More than 800 Ghanaians have reportedly registered for evacuation, while hundreds have already been repatriated.

The xenophobic unrest has been linked to anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have accused foreign nationals of contributing to crime and unemployment. The protests have been accompanied by incidents of violence and intimidation against migrants from several African countries.

In response to the attacks, the Government of Ghana initiated plans to evacuate citizens who no longer felt safe remaining in South Africa. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously announced that hundreds of Ghanaians had registered for assistance and evacuation.

South African authorities have publicly condemned the attacks and pledged to take action against those responsible, insisting that violence against foreign nationals has no place in the country's constitutional democracy.

For the injured Ghanaian and many others who have returned home, however, the physical scars may take time to heal.

Beyond the visible wounds, the attacks have left many grappling with the trauma of being targeted in a country they had considered a second home.

NA/JE