Ghana Welcomes First Group of Refugees from South Africa Protests

A Plane Carrying 300 Ghanaian Nationals Lands in Accra Amid Voluntary Repatriation Efforts

A plane carrying 300 Ghanaian nationals has landed at Accra’s airport, marking the end of a voluntary repatriation process initiated by Ghanaian authorities following a wave of anti-immigration protests in South Africa. The group, which includes women and children, arrived on Wednesday after being identified as individuals who no longer feel safe in South Africa due to rising xenophobia.

According to South African authorities, approximately 800 people had expressed interest in leaving the country, with about 90 percent of those traveling on Wednesday having overstayed their visas by more than 30 days. Ghana’s high commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has criticized South African authorities for processing backlogs in immigration permits.

The anti-immigration protests have been accompanied by instances of violence against migrants from other sub-Saharan African countries. Authorities have condemned such acts and pledged to crack down on xenophobic attacks. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the returnees, stating that Ghana will ensure their protection.

Migrant rights groups have accused South Africans of scapegoating immigrants for the country’s economic problems, including high unemployment rates. The departures are part of efforts to ease tensions while preserving diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Source: Al Jazeera