Ghana repatriates hundreds of citizens fleeing South Africa tensions
Ghana has repatriated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa under a voluntary programme, as a wave of anti-immigrant protests leaves many foreign nationals fearing for their safety.
A plane carrying about 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa landed in the capital, Accra, part of an effort the government described as voluntary repatriation for citizens who no longer feel safe. Authorities said almost 960 people had been brought home as the programme continued.
South Africa worked with Ghanaian officials on a list of roughly 800 people who had indicated they wanted to leave, amid rising xenophobia that has left migrants facing harassment, job losses and violence. Of an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians living in South Africa, hundreds have abandoned their livelihoods to return home.
The departures come against a backdrop of anti-immigration demonstrations in which campaigners have demanded tighter controls on undocumented migrants and accused foreigners of contributing to crime and unemployment. Many groups warned foreign nationals without valid documents to leave by the end of June.
Ghanaian officials said more than 200 of their nationals had reported intimidation, hostility and the forced takeover of their businesses, with small business owners in KwaZulu-Natal province particularly affected. Several African governments have issued travel warnings and launched their own repatriation efforts.
