Ghana Repatriates Citizens Amid South Africa Immigration Tensions

Ghanaian authorities have begun repatriating the first group of citizens from South Africa amid growing fears over anti-immigrant protests and possible xenophobic violence.

Around 300 people were expected to depart from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. 800 Ghanaians have registered to return home. Some migrants said they no longer felt safe following protests led by the March and March movement. The movement has set a 30 June deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country. 

Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government was acting to protect its citizens and would support returning migrants through reintegration programmes. South African authorities have condemned attacks on foreigners but acknowledged concerns around illegal immigration. The number of Ghanaians living in South Africa is estimated at 25,000.

InFocus

Ghanaian passport.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.