Scores of Ghanaian nationals attended a screening and verification process at Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria on Sunday as authorities prepare the evacuation of 826 registered citizens from South Africa. Image:@sabcnews on x
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa Benjamin Quarshie has confirmed that 826 Ghanaian nationals have registered for evacuation from South Africa. A screening and verification process is currently underway at the Ghanaian embassy in Pretoria as authorities prepare the first batch of evacuees for departure.
The planned evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa has moved into its next phase with a screening and verification process now underway at Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria. Ghana’s High Commissioner Benjamin Quarshie confirmed that 826 Ghanaians have registered with the mission seeking assistance to return home, significantly more than the 300 originally approved for the first evacuation flight by President John Mahama.
Why the Evacuation Was Postponed
The evacuation, originally scheduled to commence on Thursday 21 May 2026, was deferred by a few days after the sharp surge in registrations created logistical and legal challenges that required resolution before the exercise could proceed. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permit requirements under South African law necessitated the delay.
Documentation errors were also discovered during the initial registration process, with authorities finding that some of those who had registered had submitted forms containing challenges and errors that required correction before they could be cleared for departure. Officials confirmed the corrections were being actively processed.
The Ghanaian government also pushed back on reporting that suggested only one person had shown up for the original evacuation. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that no chartered flight was dispatched on 21 May because Ghanaian and South African authorities had agreed to defer the evacuation pending the resolution of legal, technical and logistical requirements. He confirmed that 22-year-old Sylvester Boakye, who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport the evening before and waited through the night, had missed an updated evacuation notice and would not be left behind.
What Happens Next
Scores of Ghanaian nationals turned up at the High Commission in Pretoria on Sunday for the screening and verification process. Ghanaian and South African authorities have agreed to enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation arrangements to expedite the process once the necessary clearances are in place. A new departure date is expected to be announced once the screening exercise is complete.
Ghana’s government has confirmed that evacuees will receive a reintegration financial package and psycho-social support upon arrival in Accra. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ghanaians still in South Africa to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and stay in contact with the High Commission in Pretoria.
Editors Note All information in this article is based on official statements from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and High Commission in Pretoria as at 24 May 2026. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.