Ghanaians living in South Africa have appealed for urgent evacuation, citing growing fears and insecurity linked to renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
The emotional appeals were made during a meeting at Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, where several distressed nationals shared experiences of fear, intimidation and economic hardship while urging authorities to accelerate evacuation efforts.
One woman, fighting back tears, said she had wanted to leave South Africa since last year after her plans in the country failed.
“I want to go back home, and I need to go back home,” she said.
Another Ghanaian, who identified himself as a teacher legally working in South Africa, claimed many Ghanaians were unfairly being pushed into irregular immigration status despite holding valid documents.
“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country,” he stated.
He further alleged that some Ghanaian business owners had their permits repeatedly renewed before later being accused of fraud.
Others also raised concerns about safety outside Pretoria, claiming many Ghanaians are too frightened to travel and register for evacuation due to fears of attacks.
A businessman described what he called constant intimidation by some police officers, while another warned that the tensions appeared likely to worsen, forcing some Ghanaian entrepreneurs to consider handing over their businesses before leaving the country.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, says the first batch of evacuated Ghanaians is expected to arrive in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.
According to him, authorities are currently screening and verifying registered individuals ahead of the evacuation exercise.
“The first group has an aircraft that will take 300 and after some few days, we will take another 300 and then there will be a third flight with another 300 to ensure that we get everyone home,” he said.
