President John Dramani Mahama has criticised the treatment of African migrants in some countries, saying Ghana will continue to welcome Africans despite reports of expulsions and xenophobic attacks elsewhere.
Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s first e-Visa service portal on May 25, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to supporting Africans seeking safety and opportunities.
“While some countries are expelling fellow Africans and making them feel unwelcome, Ghana proudly welcomes them and affirms that this is their home,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian government to evacuate some Ghanaians from South Africa following recent tensions and concerns over xenophobic attacks.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the evacuation exercise will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after discussions with South African authorities.
According to him, arrangements have been completed for the first group of evacuees to return safely to Ghana.
“Fortunately, we have concluded with the South African authorities that our aircraft can come in by midnight on the 25th, so that by 5am, you set off because we don’t want you to reach Ghana at night. We want to have time to take you through the process and give the necessary assistance,” Ablakwa said.
He added that the returnees are expected to arrive in Ghana by Tuesday afternoon.
“We anticipate that by 3pm you’ll be in Ghana,” he stated.
Ablakwa also said government has prepared support packages for the evacuees, including financial assistance, transport to their home regions and psychosocial support services to help them reintegrate.
Meanwhile, the newly launched e-Visa platform will allow travellers to apply for, pay for and receive Ghanaian visas online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Government also announced that African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business purposes will use the online visa system and will not pay visa fees.
