Ghana is making plans to bring home about 1,000 more citizens from South Africa as concerns grow over a wave of anti-migrant attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The Ghanaian government said special flights would begin arriving on Sunday and Monday, marking what it described as the final stage of its evacuation programme. So far, 926 Ghanaians have already been evacuated from South Africa following deadly clashes and growing tensions involving migrants.
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said the latest operation is aimed at ensuring the safety of nationals caught up in the unrest. The move comes after reports of violent protests and attacks against African migrants living and working in South Africa.
President John Mahama has asked the African Union (AU) to address what he described as xenophobic attacks, calling for stronger action to protect African citizens across the continent. He has also criticised South African authorities for turning a blind eye to the violence.
The unrest has triggered a wider regional response, with several African countries taking steps to assist their citizens. According to figures shared by different governments, more than 160,000 foreign nationals, mostly from other African countries, have left South Africa since May amid growing fears over their safety.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking jobs and economic opportunities. However, high unemployment, poverty and social frustrations have repeatedly fuelled tensions between local communities and foreign workers.