The first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, May 27, 2026, amid emotional scenes as relatives and government officials gathered to welcome them home.
The evacuees, who had been stranded following recent unrest and xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa, arrived aboard a chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight at about 3:00 p.m.
Some of the returnees waved Ghana flags and sang songs of gratitude as they stepped onto Ghanaian soil after weeks of uncertainty and fear.
A government delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson; and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, was at the airport to receive them.
They were joined by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Airports Company Limited, other security agencies, and anxious family members who had waited for hours at Terminal Two.
The atmosphere at the arrival hall was filled with excitement, relief, and gratitude as a brief welcome ceremony was held for the returnees.
