The government of Ghana has announced a delay in the evacuation of more than 800 of its citizens from South Africa following logistical and legal clearance challenges.
The decision comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa after a viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man, identified as Emmanuel Asamoah, sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The footage, which circulated widely online, reportedly forms part of a broader wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier confirmed plans to evacuate affected citizens, with more than 800 Ghanaians scheduled to begin returning home on Thursday.
However, the ministry said the evacuation has been postponed due to the large number of people involved and the need to comply with South African legal and aviation procedures.
“Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the ministry stated.
It added that both Ghanaian and South African authorities are working to fast-track the process to ensure the safe return of those affected.
Reports indicated that only one Ghanaian appeared at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on the scheduled evacuation day.
The Ghanaian government has pledged to provide returnees with financial reintegration support as well as psychosocial assistance upon arrival.
The development has reignited wider discussions across Africa on xenophobia, migration, and the challenges facing continental integration efforts.
Ghana has also called for stronger attention to the issue at the level of the African Union, arguing that repeated attacks undermine free movement and regional economic integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously condemned xenophobic attacks, stating that “there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Asamoah, the individual featured in the viral video, has reportedly returned safely to Ghana.
