“Nothing will happen to them”: Ghana reassures South Africans after return of 300 citizens

Ghana's Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere-Darko, has issued a public assurance to South Africans living and working in Ghana. He clarified that their safety and commercial interests remain protected despite regional friction regarding immigration policies.

The statement follows the recent return of approximately 300 Ghanaian citizens from South Africa on May 28, 2026. This group was evacuated after months of escalating pressure from South African advocacy groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country.

Commitment to Pan-African Unity

Okyere-Darko emphasized that Ghana is not looking to take retaliatory measures against South Africans. He reiterated the country's dedication to a 'Borderless Africa' and rejected the idea of hosting demonstrations against other Africans.

To further ease relations and promote business, Ghana is continuing to modernize its travel systems. This includes the implementation of an e-visa framework designed to facilitate easier entry for visitors and investors from across the continent.

Visa Violations and Diplomatic Friction

The repatriation process sparked debate after it was revealed that nearly all of the returning citizens were in South Africa illegally. One returnee who lived in South Africa for 21 years admitted to using the asylum system specifically to find work, despite Ghana being a peaceful nation.

Tensions were also stoked by comments from Ghana’s High Commissioner, Benjamin Quashie, who pointed the finger at the South African Department of Home Affairs for the immigration crisis. His remarks drew sharp criticism from the South African public.

Ultimately, the Ghanaian presidency remains focused on regional integration. Okyere-Darko stated that "demonstrations against Africans are not what we represent," signaling a desire to move past the current immigration standoff.