Ghana evacuates citizens after South Africa xenophobia

Following a wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa that claimed the lives of two Ghanaian citizens, the The Church of Pentecost sheltered more than 500 Ghanaians across three branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria West, and Kempton Park for over two months, providing accommodation, food, and clothing. The Government of Ghana, led by President John Mahama, initiated a voluntary repatriation exercise, evacuating more than 1,600 citizens since June, with over 600 evacuated in the second phase via commercial flights. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa commended the The Church of Pentecost for its humanitarian intervention and proposed a formal partnership, potentially through a Memorandum of Understanding, to strengthen consular support for Ghanaians abroad. The The Church of Pentecost, led by Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing its capacity to act as a first responder in countries where Ghana lacks diplomatic missions.