Ghana to evacuate 300 from South Africa over anti-immigrant protests

The foreign minister says the "distressed" Ghanaians registered with the embassy in Pretoria to be evacuated. Ghana to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa over anti-immigrant protests Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Protests against illegal immigration have been held in several South African cities A woman punches the air, while holding a placard reading "South Africa is for South Africans" during an anti-migrant march. Ghana to evacuate 300 from South Africa over anti-immigrant protests Ghana says it will evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa following a recent wave of protests against foreign nationals. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in a post on X on Tuesday that the Ghanaian president had granted approval for their "immediate evacuation". He said the "distressed" Ghanaians had registered at the country's embassy in Pretoria to be rescued in response to an advisory by the foreign ministry "following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks". Last week, South African authorities denied that anyone had been attacked, saying the widely circulated videos were fake. Last week, South African authorities denied that anyone had been attacked, saying the widely circulated videos were fake. On Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the recent "protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals" did not reflect government policy, describing them as "isolated acts of criminality". He added that South Africa would "regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws". Thousands of South Africans joined protests against illegal immigration, demanding the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Protesters say illegal immigration has had an impact on jobs, housing and crime. On Tuesday, the Ghanaian embassy in South Africa advised nationals to be highly cautious and prioritise their safety by avoiding public gatherings and shut their shops or businesses in the port city of Durban ahead of a protest planned on Wednesday. Ghana and Nigeria have recently summoned the South African envoys to their respective countries over the mistreatment and harassment of their citizens. Ghana has also written to the African Union (AU) asking it to discuss the issue, saying it posed a "serious risk to the safety and wellbeing" of Africans in South Africa. South Africa responded by saying it had "nothing to hide". The government has condemned the circulation of what it called "fake videos and images" described by some as recordings of attacks on foreign nationals. Other countries that have warned their citizens in South Africa include Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. According to official figures, South Africa is home to more than three million foreigners, or about 5% of the population, but there are believed to be many more without papers. Xenophobia has long been an issue in the country and has been accompanied by occasional outbursts of deadly attacks. A man in a camouflage top and South African flag around his neck holds his right hand in the air with his index finger raised. South Africa condemns 'fake videos' of alleged xenophobic attacks A head and shoulders shot of the leader of Operation Dudula. 'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcare Zandile Dabula, Operation Dudula president The uniformed group targeting foreigners in South Africa A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Batting all-rounder Dian Forrester joins Kent for the 2026 T20 Blast. The home affairs minister hails the ruling as a "victory" against the "abuse" of the refugee system. South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement and is included in the Proteas' squad for this summer's T20 World Cup in England. A BBC investigation exposed how scammers posted social content of dogs in distress to dupe donors into giving money. The actor was recognised for his contributions to entertainment as well as his humanitarian efforts. Two friends pedal in memory of a brother and return to a spot visited by a grandparent in 1963. Yoweri Museveni, 81, won disputed elections in January to extend his 40-year rule. In a first since these meetings started in the 1970s, this move reflects a change in France's thinking.