Deputy Foreign Minister James Gyakye Quayson Highlights Economic Void as 1,324 Ghanaians Evacuate South Africa

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has revealed that the mass evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa is leaving a significant economic void in several local South African communities. Following the recent arrival of a group of 150 evacuees, the total number of Ghanaians repatriated due to escalating security concerns and anti-migrant sentiment has reached 1,324. While the move was necessary to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens, the Deputy Minister noted that the departure of these traders has led to the collapse of numerous small businesses, directly impacting the ability of local South African residents to access essential goods and services.

The exodus follows a period of heightened hostility and xenophobic incidents that have shattered the aspirations of many West African entrepreneurs. Among those impacted is Emmanuel Akuoko, a Ghanaian businessman who spent over a decade building his life in South Africa, only to dismantle his achievements in a matter of days to escape the hostile environment. Similar stories are echoed across the region; for instance, Nigerian businessman Richard Itoro was forced to flee to Nigeria, leaving behind his South African wife and children. These personal accounts underscore a broader trend of regional instability, as thousands of foreigners face harassment and intimidation, forcing them to abandon established livelihoods.

In response to these developments, the Ghanaian government is taking proactive steps to support the reintegration of returnees into the local economy. Deputy Minister Quayson has urged those arriving to view their return as an opportunity to channel their diverse skills and international experience toward the development of Ghana. To facilitate this transition, the government is implementing various measures, including skills profiling and financial assistance packages. The goal is to ensure that the expertise gained abroad is not lost but instead serves as a catalyst for growth within the domestic market under the leadership of President John Mahama.

Despite the current tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of maintaining the longstanding diplomatic and brotherly relations between Ghana and South Africa. Government officials have expressed concern over the treatment of their citizens but remain committed to a dialogue that fosters continental solidarity. As returnees begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives in Ghana, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of intra-African migration and the vital role that migrant communities play in the economic health of their host nations.