Ghana repatriates citizens from South Africa following anti-immigrant protests

Ghana has started the repatriation of its citizens from South Africa.

On Wednesday, May 27, Ghanaian nationals departed OR Tambo International Airport on one of the first flights to Accra, as anti-immigrant protests raised safety concerns.

Around 300 people, including women and children, joined a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by both governments.

President John Mahama approved the evacuation earlier in the month after Ghanaians affected by the unrest registered with the country’s High Commission in Pretoria following an advisory issued by the foreign ministry.

A South African immigration official told local broadcaster eNCA that only 10 of the 300 passengers were legally in the country.

“Quite a number of them are in non-compliance with our immigration act,” he said.

The exodus follows weeks of protests demanding tighter border controls.

Demonstrators accuse undocumented migrants of worsening crime and unemployment. Some protests have turned violent, with migrants from African countries being targeted.

However, according to rights groups, foreigners are being used as scapegoats for the country’s economic problems.

Ghana’s High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, called the repatriation a joint effort to ease tensions and protect diplomatic ties. He further dismissed any suggestion of a rift between the two countries.

Meanwhile, South African authorities have condemned anti-immigrant attacks and vowed to crack down on perpetrators.

(With input from wires.)