First batch of Ghanaians to be airlifted from South Africa on May 26 — Ablakwa.

Evacuation of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa is set to commence, with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirming that the first group of returnees will depart in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

He said the government has secured the necessary arrangements with South African authorities to ensure a smooth and coordinated evacuation process, adding that returnees will be received in a structured and dignified manner upon arrival in Ghana.

Speaking at a meeting with distressed Ghanaian nationals at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, the minister disclosed that the aircraft is expected to arrive in South Africa shortly after midnight on May 25, paving the way for departure around 5:00 a.m.

“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,” he said.

He added that, subject to smooth arrangements, the evacuees are expected to arrive in Ghana by mid-afternoon on the same day.

“We anticipate that by 3pm you’ll be in Ghana,” he stated.

According to him, the timing has been carefully planned to ensure that all returnees are processed and supported during the day, allowing officials enough time to provide assistance packages, including financial support, transportation to home regions, and psychosocial care.

The minister further revealed that Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to offer 100 job opportunities to some of the returnees, describing the gesture as encouraging and challenging other private sector actors to follow suit.

“Ibrahim Mahama has just informed us that he has a hundred jobs for some of you, which is a good challenge. We’ll speak to other CEOs to see how they can also help, so that the young ones who are still able to work do not idle at home,” he said.

The announcement follows weeks of mounting concern among Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, with more than 800 people registering for evacuation at the High Commission in Pretoria amid reports of insecurity and distress within parts of the community.