In response to escalating anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals have been repatriated back to Ghana. The group, which includes children, took a flight from Johannesburg to Accra, as concerns over their safety intensified. The repatriation is part of a voluntary process organized by both countries’ officials.
South African and Ghanaian authorities have identified that among the returnees, only ten had legal status in South Africa, complicating their stay under the immigration laws. Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, received the returnees, offering them support to reintegrate and start anew.
Aspurious protests in South Africa have seen anti-immigrant rhetoric leading to some violence against migrants. Ghana’s High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, stated that the return process was aimed at reducing tensions while maintaining robust diplomatic relations between the two nations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
