The Government of Ghana has issued a travel advisory urging Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following what it describes as a rise in xenophobic attacks targeting Africans in the country.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 1, 2026, the government expressed concern over attacks allegedly carried out by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes.
The incidents have reportedly resulted in injuries, looting, property destruction, and the closure and takeover of businesses belonging to African nationals.
According to the statement, the Mahama administration has already undertaken a number of diplomatic and humanitarian measures, including lodging formal protests at the highest diplomatic levels, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and facilitating the evacuation of affected Ghanaian nationals.
The government has therefore advised Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.
Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have also been urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance and updates.
The Ministry indicated that Ghana would continue to work closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals and support evacuation efforts where necessary.
The statement further called on the South African government to provide adequate security for targeted African communities and to take decisive measures to restore law and order in line with the principles of Pan-Africanism and African integration.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of citizens both at home and abroad, the Government of Ghana said it remains focused on protecting the safety and interests of Ghanaians wherever they may be.
The advisory was addressed to all media houses and forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep the public informed about developments affecting Ghanaian nationals overseas.