The first group of Ghanaian nationals left South Africa early Wednesday as fears mount that escalating anti‑immigrant protests and a 30 June deadline set by activists for undocumented foreigners to leave the country could trigger violence.
Dozens of buses chartered by the Ghanaian embassy arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport around 3am (0100 GMT) carrying men, women and children who had registered for repatriation.
A smaller group was escorted in a police van and kept separate under supervision.
Ghanaian officials said 300 people were departing on Wednesday, the first batch of more than 800 citizens who registered for evacuation after weeks of protests targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities.
The remaining applicants are still being screened and will travel later in the week.
The Ghana High Commissioner accompanied the group through the boarding process to ensure a smooth departure.
The repatriation follows a surge in anti‑immigrant demonstrations organised by a group calling itself March and March, which has accused undocumented migrants of straining public services and has demanded tougher enforcement from authorities.
The group has set 30 June as a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country, a date that many foreign nationals fear could spark xenophobic attacks similar to those seen in previous years.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of violence against foreign nationals, including deadly outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019 when migrants were assaulted, displaced and had their businesses looted.
Ghana announced earlier this month that it would assist citizens wishing to return home after reports of intimidation and rising tensions in several provinces. An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians live in South Africa.
JN/APA