First batch of Ghanaian evacuees arrive home from South Africa
The first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Accra International Airport today (Wednesday, May 27, 2026) afternoon to emotional scenes, as families and government officials gathered to receive them.
The evacuees, who had been stranded following recent unrest in parts of South Africa, touched down at about 3:00 p.m. in a charted Ethiopian airline flight.
Many were seen waving Ghana flags, and singing, as they stepped onto home soil after weeks of uncertainty and fears following xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other African nationals.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye-Quayson; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, led a government delegation to welcome the returnees.
They were joined by officials from the Ministry, the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Airport and the other security agencies, as well as anxious family members who had waited hours at the arrival hall of Terminal Two.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and gratitude at arrival hall were a short ceremony ensued.
