The Government of Ghana has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals.

In a travel advisory issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over growing reports of violence allegedly carried out by anti-immigrant vigilante groups, warning that the attacks have led to injuries, looting, business takeovers, and destruction of property.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana has observed with great concern the increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeted at Africans by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes which have resulted in degrees of injuries, closure and takeover of businesses, looting and loss of properties,” the statement said.

The Ministry disclosed that Ghana has already escalated the matter through diplomatic channels, including formally protesting to South African authorities, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and facilitating the evacuation of affected Ghanaians.

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As a result, citizens have been urged to reconsider travel plans to South Africa until further notice.

“The Government of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the Ministry stated.

Ghanaians currently living in South Africa have also been encouraged to remain in close contact with the Ghana High Commission for assistance and protection.

Meanwhile, the government says efforts are ongoing to support citizens who wish to return home as evacuations continue.

Ghana further called on South African authorities to take urgent action to protect foreign nationals and restore law and order.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana wishes to call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans in its territory and take measures to enforce law and order in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration,” the statement added.

The advisory comes amid heightened tensions following reports of attacks on African migrants, with hundreds of Ghanaians already evacuated from South Africa in recent days.

Read the statement below



NAD/VPO

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