Ghana News
Final Repatriation: 900 Ghanaians to Return from South Africa on July 25
The Government of Ghana will begin the final phase of its voluntary repatriation exercise for approximately 900 Ghanaian nationals in South Africa from July 25, 2026, following months of xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in the country.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Anani Quashie, has announced that the final phase of the government’s voluntary repatriation program will commence on July 25, 2026, bringing home about 900 Ghanaian nationals who have registered to return voluntarily.
The exercise follows months of escalating xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which have left many Ghanaians fearing for their lives and seeking to return to their homeland.
Addressing the Ghanaian community in South Africa, High Commissioner Quashie confirmed that the government had approved additional support through the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the return of those who had registered for the voluntary repatriation program.
“The Ministry has provided, through the Office of the President, support for us to do another repatriation of close to 900 Ghanaians who voluntarily want to return home,” he said.
Three phases already completed
The upcoming operation represents the fourth and final phase of Ghana’s mass repatriation programme. According to the High Commissioner, nearly 926 Ghanaians had already been evacuated under the previous three phases of the exercise.
“We have successfully brought home hundreds of our compatriots who were living in fear and uncertainty,” Quashie stated. “This final phase will complete the government’s planned repatriation program.”
The High Commissioner explained that the repatriation would follow the same procedures used during the previous phases. Officials from the High Commission would visit churches, hotels and other locations where registered Ghanaians are staying to coordinate the exercise.
The South African Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Authorities have approved July 25 as the start date for the operation.
“Flights will depart daily from July 25 until all registered returnees have been transported to Ghana,” Quashie confirmed. “The High Commission will also arrange transportation for those living in other provinces to join the flights.”
Strict procedures for registered beneficiaries
High Commissioner Quashie urged registered beneficiaries to wait for official notification before travelling to the High Commission in Pretoria. He cautioned against arriving without prior instructions, warning that accommodation would not be provided for those who report without being scheduled.
“We will notify each group before their departure. Please follow the procedures so that we can have a smooth repatriation exercise,” he said.
The High Commissioner also clarified that no new registrations would be accepted for the final exercise. Only Ghanaians who had already completed the registration and screening process would be included.
He appealed to those who had not registered to cooperate with the authorities and avoid attempting to join the exercise without approval, noting that the High Commission had worked closely with South African immigration authorities throughout the process.
End of mass repatriation program
Quashie confirmed that once the final group of about 900 people returns to Ghana, the mass repatriation program will end. Future requests for assistance to return home will be handled individually through the High Commission’s consular services.
“This marks the conclusion of our mass evacuation efforts,” he said. “Going forward, we will handle repatriation requests on a case-by-case basis through our normal consular channels.”
Government commitment to citizens’ safety
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for supporting the evacuation exercise and responding to the needs of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
“The President and the Foreign Minister have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians abroad,” Quashie said. “This repatriation exercise reflects the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens wherever they may be.”
The repatriation comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Ghana and South Africa over the treatment of foreign nationals. In June 2026, Ghana raised concerns over the safety of its nationals following reports that a Ghanaian had died during anti-immigrant demonstrations on June 30. South African authorities subsequently rejected those claims, stating that investigations found no evidence that any deaths occurred during the protests.
The diplomatic exchanges have underscored the sensitivity of migration issues within the region and the challenges facing African nations in protecting their citizens living abroad.
Xenophobic attacks intensify
The mass repatriation follows months of intensified xenophobic violence across South Africa. The March and March Movement, an anti-immigrant group, has spearheaded nationwide demonstrations calling for the removal of undocumented migrants. The movement has organized weekly protests, which have repeatedly escalated into violence.
At least two people were killed in Mossel Bay during anti-immigrant protests, while five people have died since protests began in April. Thousands of migrants, both documented and undocumented, have been driven from their homes, with businesses and property vandalized.
The Department of Home Affairs has intensified security raids, resulting in the arrest of thousands of undocumented migrants. More than 45,000 foreigners have reportedly left South Africa in recent months, returning to countries including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria.
The situation took a darker turn when a March and March Movement leader, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, was shot dead outside his home in Ekurhuleni on July 4, 2026. The movement claims several of its regional leaders have received death threats, though these claims have not been independently verified.
A nation divided
The immigration debate has deeply divided South African society. While the March and March Movement claims to represent the concerns of ordinary South Africans about undocumented migration, crime and strained public services, critics have accused the movement of fueling xenophobia and vigilantism.
The South African government has maintained that immigration laws must be enforced within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law, while condemning attacks on foreign nationals.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, has stated that law enforcement actions should not translate into vigilantism or xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals.
What happens next?
For the approximately 900 Ghanaians registered for the final repatriation, the coming weeks will be a period of transition. Many are leaving behind businesses, homes and communities they have built over years in South Africa. The High Commission has assured them of continued support throughout the process.
The Ghanaian government has not yet announced specific plans for the reintegration of returnees, but previous repatriation exercises have included support services to help returnees rebuild their lives in Ghana.
The High Commissioner assured the Ghanaian community that the High Commission would continue to provide updates to all registered beneficiaries until the exercise is completed.
“We remain committed to the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians in South Africa,” Quashie said. “This exercise is a testament to our government’s promise that no citizen will be left behind.”
Ghana News
Ghana Positions Accra as West Africa’s Premier Aviation Hub with New Airport Hotels Complex
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for a massive seven-storey multi-tiered car park and airport hotels complex at the Accra International Airport, marking a major strategic investment to consolidate Ghana’s position as the leading aviation hub in West Africa.
The ambitious project, being undertaken by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), will provide approximately 2,030 covered parking bays alongside two new hotels—a 120-room five-star facility and a 250-room three-star facility. The complex will also feature a vibrant mix of retail and dining outlets, office spaces, a food court, a pedestrian sky bridge, a sky lounge, and an aircraft-viewing observatory.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 28, 2026, President Mahama stated that the development is not merely a construction initiative, but a necessary response to the rapidly increasing demands on Ghana’s principal international gateway.
“This is about preparing Ghana’s principal international gateway for the demands of the future, improving the experience of passengers and visitors, and ensuring that our airport infrastructure keeps pace with Ghana’s economic and development ambitions,” President Mahama stated.
The President highlighted the urgent need for the project by pointing to the significant surge in passenger traffic, which has grown from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025. This influx has placed considerable pressure on existing parking facilities, airport roads, and passenger pick-up and drop-off areas.
Designed to optimize the limited land within the airport enclave through vertical development, the new complex will improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion. President Mahama noted that the development would cater to travelers across different income levels, transforming the airport enclave into a vibrant, 24-hour commercial and hospitality hub.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, the President urged contractors and consultants involved in the project to ensure impeccable quality, value for money, and timely completion.
“The project must be completed and commissioned for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” Mahama stressed, as the government looks to solidify Accra’s status as a leading aviation hub in the sub-region.
Here are the top headline stories from the Ghanaian newspapers published on Friday, August 28, 2026.
💰 The GoldBod Saga & Financial Losses
- The Inquisitor, The Ghanaian Publisher, New Weekend Crusading Guide, Daily Gist, & Metro Lens: “It’s Accounting, Not GoldBod Loss” / “$1.7bn ‘Loss’ Is Not All Real Money Lost” / “GH¢1.7BN GOLDBOD LOSS CLAIM DOESN’T ADD UP – IEA”. The IEA disputes the loss figure, stating it represents revenue and foreign-exchange valuation differences, not actual financial loss.
- The Source & The Daily Searchlight: “AFAG Demands Forensic Audit Of GoldBod’s ‘Fiscal Recklessness'” / “PROBE GOLDBOD OVER ALLEGED GH¢78.6M EXPENDITURE! …AFAG Demands”. (The Alliance for Accountable Governance has called for a forensic audit into the Board’s spending).
- The Informer: “We Warned BoG About GoldBod Losses IMF Reveals; But Central Bank Succumbed To Pressure Of Higher Authority – IMF Reveals…” (Claims the IMF warned the Bank of Ghana about GoldBod losses before they occurred).
- B&FT: “Raise large miners’ mandatory gold sales for GoldBod to 50% — IEA”. (The IEA is proposing a change to the gold purchasing framework).
🗳️ NPP Politics & Internal Elections
- Supreme, The Meridian, & New Weekend Crusading Guide: “Abanga Promises 4 Million Youth Votes for DMB in 2028 …Files For NPP Youth Organiser, Unveils 70 Seats Plan”.
- Supreme, The Meridian, & The Ghanaian Publisher: “Nana B Files Nomination to Contest 1st Vice Chairman of NPP …Declares ‘I Am the Right Man at the Right Time'”.
- Daily Guide & The Ghanaian Publisher: “John Boadu Files NPP National Chairman Nomination” / “‘I’ll Rebuild NPP And Mobilise For Bawumia'”.
⚖️ Justice, Parliament & Vetting Processes
- The Daily Searchlight, Republic Press, & Daily Gist: “Minority Walks Out/Boycotts Over ‘Rushed’ Vetting Of Supreme Court Nominees”.
- Daily Guide: “Appointments Committee Okays 3 SC Nominees As Minority Boycotts Vetting”.
- The Chronicle, The Meridian, The Ghanaian Publisher, Metro Lens, Supreme, The Source, & Daily Gist: “Ayariga Praises Afenyo-Markin …He is a Paragon of Honesty, Fortitude and Integrity” (Outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s parting verdict on Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin).
- Daily Gist: “Martin Amidu Takes On Mahama Over Agalga’s Appointment As Majority Leader”.
- Republic Press: “OSP, A-G On Collision Course! … Over AKSA Probe”.
- Daily Guide: “SML/GRA Scandal: OSP Gets More Time To Serve Ofori-Atta” and “Exim Bank ‘Fraud’: Wontumi Plea Deal Fails, Trial To Proceed”.
- The Informer: “The OSP Is Back! – Kissi Agyebeng Declares Rebirth, Fires Warning @ Critics As He Names 5 Persons of Interest in Berko Probe”.
- Daily Graphic: “Property rate can yield GH¢20bn yearly – Local Government Minister designate (Mahama Ayariga) says at vetting”.
- Metro Lens: “Parliament Approves Mahama Ayariga, Zanetor as Ministers” (Zanetor to resign as 2nd Veep for Pan-African Parliament).
🛡️ Security & Vigilantism
- The Inquisitor: “Julius Debrah Wants Tougher Action Against Vigilantism”.
- The Informer: “Vigilantism Back In Disguise – Nat’l Security Boss Sounds Alarm”.
- Republic Press: “Ayitey Powers In Trouble …Remanded Over Death Threats Against NSA Boss”.
🏫 Education & Public Services
- The Archives: “RECRUITMENT SCANDAL HITS GES …Successful Applicants Asked To Pay GH¢18,000 For Appointment Letters; Two Arrested”.
- The Daily Searchlight: “Labour Dispute Looms as Teacher Unions Warn GES Over August 31st Deadline for Promotion Placements”.
🏗️ Economy, Infrastructure & Industry
- B&FT: “OSP pushes lifestyle audits and unexplained wealth laws”, “BoG targets faster policy response with AI-powered inflation and growth forecasts”, and “Plant, materials push building cost inflation to 4%”.
- Daily Graphic: “President Mahama cuts sod for multiple airport projects”.
- The Archives: “DVLA Cuts Sod For Number Plate Manufacturing Centre Today”.
- Daily Guide: “New Excise Law Threatens 80,000 Farmers, 5,000 Jobs – Analysts Warn”.
- The Informer: “Ghana’s Growth Faces Fresh Threat …As World Bank Flags High Cost Of Doing Business”.
🌍 Environment, Social & Galamsey
- The NewsCentA: “Galamsey Has Been Normalised – Presby Moderator, Catholic Bishops’ President express outrage”.
- The Informer: “‘Galamsey Now Youth Employment’ – Catholic Bishops”.
- New Weekend Crusading Guide: “Armed Soldiers Attack Mining Site With ‘Orders From Above’ …Kill One, Take Over Narawa Mine Concession In Heman”.
- Daily Graphic: “I’ll fight galamsey, environmental crimes – Dr Agyeman-Rawlings”.
- Supreme Newspaper: “Zoomlion Launches Disinfection, Disinfestation Exercise Across Upper East Region”.
- B&FT: “Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for Medical City groundbreaking”.
- The Daily Searchlight: “Stay & Build Ghana’s Economy! …Kwame Pianim Urges Ghanaian Youth”.
The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana has publicly rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s characterization of the war in Gaza as genocide.
Ambassador Roey Gilad has described Mahama’s assessment of the situation in Gaza as “wrong” and pointed out that Israel’s military campaign is a defensive operation with no intent to annihilate the Palestinian people.
The remarks, delivered at a press briefing in Accra, sharpen the diplomatic disagreement between the two nations over the legal and moral interpretation of the conflict.
The Clash Over “Intent”
Ambassador Roey Gilad acknowledged the significant number of casualties but argued that the legal definition of genocide rests on specific intent, not the scale of civilian deaths. He stated that Israel’s operations were a defensive response to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and that civilian casualties were “collateral damage” rather than an objective of the campaign.
“What defines genocide is the intention of one side to annihilate, to destroy completely the other side… There was no intention whatsoever to destroy, to annihilate the Palestinian people and in that sense I think the President is wrong,” Ambassador Gilad said.
He further emphasized that Israel is fighting terrorist organizations, not the Palestinian people, highlighting the challenge posed by Hamas operating within civilian areas in Gaza.
The President’s Position
President Mahama has consistently used the term “genocide” in international forums. He first applied the label during his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. He reaffirmed this stance in an interview with TRT World’s Bigger Than Five program aired on August 21, 2026, where he argued that the international community had avoided direct language about the crisis.
He tied the situation in Gaza to what he describes as double standards in international justice, saying, “As long as we continue to distort justice, depending on who it is, we’ll continue to live a lie.”
A Relationship of Disagreement and Partnership
Despite the verbal conflict, the Ambassador was keen to downplay the notion of a strained relationship, stressing that disagreements do not equate to bad relations. He noted that Ghana remains an “extremely important partner” for Israel and highlighted the reopening of Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv in late August as a sign of strengthening ties.
Ghana and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957. The two nations have continued to cooperate on development issues, with recent bilateral consultations in Jerusalem covering cybersecurity, fintech, and defense.
Continued Scrutiny and Casualties
The public disagreement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing international scrutiny over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. As of August 25, 2026, Gaza’s health ministry reported 73,431 Palestinians killed and 174,437 injured since October 7, 2023. The United Nations attributes these figures to the Gaza Ministry of Health while noting they have not all been independently verified.
The debate mirrors wider legal arguments regarding the situation, centered on the interpretation of the 1948 Genocide Convention and whether Israel’s actions demonstrate the specific intent required for a legal finding of genocide.
The Ambassador also called on Ghana to join international efforts to pressure Iran, which he claims is destabilizing the region and impacting global trade routes, including fuel imports crucial for Ghana’s economy.
A Borderless Insurgency, a Divided Response: The ECOWAS–AES Security Dilemma
Ghana Positions Accra as West Africa’s Premier Aviation Hub with New Airport Hotels Complex
