Ghanaian authorities have announced plans to evacuate about 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa starting Sunday, following ongoing xenophobic attacks against immigrants in the country.

In a statement on Saturday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would resume the evacuation of its remaining nationals on Sunday.

“The latest phase of evacuations is expected to cover about 1,000 Ghanaians and will be done in groups,” the ministry said.

The ministry said the first flights are scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, 2026.

It added that the evacuation exercise would begin with Ghanaians who had already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily return home with government assistance.

“Consistent with our policy, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students. Distressed Ghanaians in South Africa are requested to contact the High Commission,” the ministry said.

The government also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg and Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Limited for allowing their premises to be used as shelters, free of charge, for several weeks for Ghanaians who fled their homes while awaiting processing by the High Commission.

This followed President John Mahama’s approval of the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians and the country’s petition to the African Union over continued xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.