JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — In response to rising security concerns linked to anti-illegal immigration demonstrations, the Ghanaian government has commenced its voluntary repatriation program, with the first charter flight carrying 300 citizens departing O.R. Tambo International Airport for Accra yesterday.
The operation follows weeks of heightened tensions affecting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. While approximately 326 Ghanaians arrived at the airport for the inaugural flight, aircraft capacity restricted the initial departure to 300 passengers. Officials confirmed the same carrier has been contracted for a second flight within the week to transport remaining registrants.
The Ghanaian High Commissioner overseeing the operation stated that demand for repatriation continues to grow. “We are looking at a number way above a thousand,” he noted, adding that roughly 890 individuals have registered to date. “Anytime any Ghanaian feels like they are not welcome in this country and they want to go home, government would ensure that they go home.” He emphasized that the program welcomes all Ghanaian nationals—whether documented, undocumented, or legally resident.
Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration and Law Enforcement with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, detailed the rigorous verification process undertaken jointly with Ghanaian embassy officials. Beginning last Thursday and continuing through the night before departure, authorities cross-referenced passenger lists against national security databases to confirm eligibility for travel.
Van Neel acknowledged documentation gaps among applicants. “What we found is that not many of them had actual documents,” he said. The verification exercise ensured that only individuals cleared through both embassy records and South African immigration systems were permitted to board. He stressed that while those on the flight passed security vetting, individuals found non-compliant with immigration laws remain subject to enforcement measures and sanctions.
Approximately 30 passengers were transferred from the Lindela detention centre to join the repatriation flight. Van Neel clarified these individuals were deportees held for immigration violations—not criminal prisoners. “This is a facility where we, when we arrest people, hold onto them until they are deported,” he explained. Lindela currently houses individuals of multiple nationalities awaiting removal for breaches of South Africa’s Immigration Act.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed that documentation status does not disqualify a Ghanaian citizen from accessing the voluntary return program. “All of them form part of this group and all of them are going home,” he stated.
As boarding commenced, several passengers who had previously spoken with media declined further on-camera interviews, indicating they had received instructions not to engage with journalists.
Officials from both governments confirmed that repatriation flights will continue on a rolling basis until every Ghanaian national in South Africa who wishes to return home has been assisted. The initiative represents a coordinated diplomatic and logistical response to protect citizen welfare amid evolving regional tensions.