Ghana has postponed the evacuation of more than 800 citizens from after a viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man sparked outrage amid renewed xenophobic tensions.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian living in South Africa, allegedly being attacked during the latest wave of violence targeting foreign nationals.
Ghana’s foreign ministry had earlier announced plans to evacuate affected citizens, with the process initially scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 21. However, authorities confirmed the evacuation would be delayed due to logistical and legal procedures required by South African authorities.
“Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that Ghanaian and South African officials had agreed to accelerate the process. Despite the planned evacuation, AFP journalists at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport reported that only one Ghanaian arrived at the airport on Thursday, May 21.
The Ghanaian government has also promised evacuees financial reintegration assistance and psycho-social support upon their return home. The latest tensions have reignited conversations across Africa about xenophobia, migration and the challenges faced by African migrants despite the continent’s push for regional integration.
Ghana has repeatedly raised concerns about xenophobic violence within the, warning that repeated attacks threaten African unity and free movement initiatives under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Asamoah, the man seen in the viral video, has reportedly returned safely to Ghana.