Ghana’s government has announced an emergency evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa, as xenophobic attacks escalate in the country. Sources confirm that the evacuation, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes after days of targeted violence against foreign nationals. Uncovered documents show that Ghana’s embassy in Pretoria has been processing emergency travel documents since Monday, when protests turned deadly.
The violence, sparked by allegations that immigrants take jobs from locals, has left at least five dead and dozens injured. Ghana’s decision follows similar moves by Nigeria and Malawi. But the question remains: why was the response so slow?
Critics point to Ghana’s embassy, which reportedly failed to issue timely warnings. Meanwhile, families in Accra wait for news. The evacuation is set to begin Thursday, with two flights chartered by the government.
Passengers will be screened for COVID-19 before departure. This is not the first time South Africa has seen such attacks. In 2019, similar violence prompted regional outrage.
Yet little has changed. The money trail? No one is following it.
The real story is the failure of South African authorities to hold perpetrators accountable. And the silence from business leaders who benefit from cheap labour. Ghana’s evacuation is a bandage on a wound that keeps festering.
