Ghanaian authorities have started repatriating citizens from South Africa after a wave of anti-immigrant protests raised safety concerns.
The first group of 800 Ghanaians who registered to return began departing from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport early Wednesday morning. Dozens of buses chartered by the Ghanaian embassy transported passengers to the airport around 03:00 local time.
Embassy and airport officials registered all passengers before departure. Ghanaian authorities said 300 people would leave on the initial flight, while the remaining registered citizens would be screened and scheduled to depart later.
Many of those leaving cited the recent protests as the reason for their decision. Rudolph, a Ghanaian who has lived in South Africa for 10 years, told the BBC he was returning home because he no longer felt safe. “It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” he said.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government acted after citizens reported feeling unsafe and unable to continue their economic activities. He added that a reintegration plan is in place for returnees.
The protests have been organized by a group called March and March, which has called for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa by June 30. Organizers say the demonstrations have been peaceful and are aimed at easing pressure on public services. South Africa’s government has condemned attacks on foreigners but said it must address illegal immigration.
There are an estimated 25,000 Ghanaians living in South Africa.
