For many Ghanaians living in South Africa, the dream of building a life abroad is now being replaced by a more urgent wish: getting home safely.

Renewed anti-immigrant tensions and reports of attacks have triggered fresh calls for the Ghanaian government to step up efforts to protect and evacuate citizens who feel unsafe.

A Ghanaian resident in South Africa, Agya Prince, popularly known as Kontonkyi, says the situation has become so worrying that many Ghanaians are desperate to return to Ghana.

He made the comments on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.

“99 Out of 100 Want to Return”

Kontonkyi claimed that almost all the Ghanaians he has interacted with want to leave South Africa.

He put the figure at about 99 per cent.

The claim has not been independently verified, but it highlights the level of fear and frustration being reported within parts of the Ghanaian community.

He said some Ghanaians now feel trapped by what they describe as harassment, intimidation and aggressive enforcement of immigration rules.

According to him, the situation has become so serious that air evacuations alone may not be enough if large numbers of people decide to return.

He is therefore calling for additional transport options, including ships.

Ghanaians Report Growing Fear

Kontonkyi said some Ghanaians and other African nationals are facing repeated checks and harassment as tensions rise.

He claimed that police and immigration officials are demanding documents from people during routine activities.

He also alleged that other security personnel are becoming involved in enforcement operations.

His concerns come against the backdrop of wider anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

Ghana’s authorities have previously warned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid areas where protests are taking place.

Ghana Has Already Started Evacuating Citizens

The call for urgent intervention comes after Ghana began a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who wanted to leave South Africa.

The government has already evacuated hundreds of Ghanaians.

By early July, the government said 979 Ghanaians had been evacuated in three batches following the unrest.

The first group of about 300 returnees arrived in Ghana in May after growing concerns over anti-immigrant tensions. More than 800 people had initially registered for evacuation.

The evacuation effort has therefore become one of the government’s key responses to the crisis.

High Commission Warns Ghanaians to Stay Alert

The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has repeatedly issued safety warnings as protests and tensions have increased.

In one advisory, the mission urged Ghanaians to:

Remain indoors when protests are expected.
Temporarily close businesses in affected areas.
Avoid protest zones and transport hubs.
Carry valid passports and residence documents.
Avoid confrontations with protesters.
Follow information from official sources.
Maintain contact with the High Commission.

The mission has also worked with South African authorities to assist Ghanaians caught up in police operations.

During the June 30 protests, Ghana’s High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie said several Ghanaians who had been detained were released following intervention by consular officials.

The Crisis Has Already Had a Deadly Cost

The concerns are not only about potential attacks.

Ghanaian authorities confirmed the death of 40-year-old Ghanaian Bashiru Isak, who was shot in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during anti-immigrant demonstrations on June 30.

The Ghanaian government demanded a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

The incident has added urgency to calls for stronger protection of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa.

What Happens to Those Who Still Want to Leave?

The biggest challenge may now be scale.

If large numbers of Ghanaians decide to return at the same time, the government could face pressure to expand its evacuation arrangements.

Kontonkyi believes flights may not be enough.

His proposal for sea transport reflects the scale of the concern being expressed by some members of the community.

For now, Ghana’s evacuation programme remains voluntary, while authorities continue to work with the High Commission and South African officials.

A Difficult Choice for Ghanaians

For years, South Africa has been an important destination for Ghanaians seeking business and work opportunities.

But renewed xenophobic tensions have forced some to make a painful calculation: stay and hope conditions improve, or leave before the situation gets worse.

The Ghanaian government’s challenge is now twofold—protect citizens who remain in South Africa while also ensuring that those who want to return can do so safely.

And for Ghanaians watching events from home, one question is becoming harder to ignore:

If the number of people asking to come home keeps rising, is Ghana prepared for the scale of evacuation they may demand?