DURBAN, South Africa — In a solemn return, the first group of nearly 300 Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa landed in Accra, following a spate of xenophobic violence that has gripped the nation.
The group, which included children, was greeted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who emphasized the government’s dedication to their safety and well-being.
The wave of violence, which has targeted both documented and undocumented foreigners, has left around 800 Ghanaians seeking repatriation.
The situation has been exacerbated by South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which currently exceeds 30%, fueling the xenophobic protests. Victor Atsu Togbe, one of the returnees, expressed relief at leaving “the lion’s den, “reflecting the shared sentiment of those affected. Togbe, who had a salon in South Africa, recounted the hardship faced by the expatriate community, saying, “It has never been easy for us in South Africa over the past few weeks. “.
The repatriation flights, organized in response to the violence, are part of a coordinated effort between the Ghanaian and South African governments to ensure the safety of foreign nationals.
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria reported that over 800 Ghanaians have registered for evacuation, indicating the scale of the crisis.
The South African government has stepped up enforcement against undocumented immigrants but has urged citizens not to take matters into their own hands.
The repatriation of the first group of Ghanaians serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by foreign nationals in the country and underscores the need for vigilance and support for those affected by the violence.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
