Ghana on Tuesday announced plans to evacuate nearly 300 of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in protests targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation was approved by President John Dramani Mahama to support Ghanaians who responded to an advisory and registered with the country’s High Commission in Pretoria.
According to the Ghanaian government, the exercise is intended to protect the safety and wellbeing of its citizens amid escalating xenophobic tensions and attacks.
Nigeria has also raised concerns over the growing anti-immigrant demonstrations reported in several South African cities, alongside allegations of intimidation and assaults against foreigners.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected claims that the country is xenophobic, insisting that the recent violence against foreign nationals does not represent the position of the government or the majority of South Africans.
In his weekly national newsletter, Ramaphosa condemned the attacks and warned that no group or individual has the authority to enforce the law independently.
While acknowledging increasing public concern over undocumented migration, he stressed the importance of addressing illegal immigration strictly through lawful means.
He noted that undocumented migration continues to place pressure on healthcare, housing, and municipal services, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
On Tuesday, South Africa’s Constitutional Court also ruled that refugees whose asylum applications have been rejected cannot remain in the country to submit fresh applications.
The country’s Department of Home Affairs welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major step in preventing abuse of the asylum system.
