Ghana: No Repayment Obligation for South African Repatriation Costs

• Ghana has evacuated over 1,600 nationals from South Africa since May 2026.
• The government has provided additional support to returnees upon their arrival in Ghana.
• South Africa is seeking approximately $18 million in reimbursement from several African countries for repatriation costs.
• Ghana will not be required to reimburse South Africa for the repatriation costs, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ghanaians can therefore be assured that under no circumstances will Ghana be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals.

The repatriation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa has been an ongoing process since May 2026, with over 1,600 individuals evacuated so far. The exercise is still underway, and the government has provided additional support to the returnees upon their arrival in Ghana, including reintegration funds, transport fares, and relief items. This comprehensive approach ensures a smooth transition for those affected by xenophobic attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been at the forefront of these efforts, working closely with President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners to ensure that the evacuation is fully funded by the government. In fact, the statement issued by the Ministry on Thursday, 13 August 2026, emphasized that Ghana did not seek any financial or material support from the South African Government to bring its nationals back home. This commitment to self-sufficiency underscores the government's dedication to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad.

The South African government has made headlines with its request for reimbursement from several African countries, including Ghana, for expenses associated with housing, transporting, and facilitating the return of foreign nationals. The amount sought is approximately $18 million, which has sparked concerns among affected nations. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically stated that Ghana will not be required to reimburse South Africa for the repatriation costs. This assurance comes as a relief to Ghanaians who have been evacuated from South Africa and are now settling back into their communities. The government's stance on this matter is clear: Ghana will not be listed among the countries being requested by the Government of South Africa to reimburse the cost incurred in repatriating foreign nationals.

The reimbursement request from South Africa raises questions about the legal framework governing such situations. It is essential for lawyers advising clients on business operations in South Africa to be aware of this potential demand and factor it into their risk assessments. This may impact future evacuation costs, making it crucial for companies to consider the implications of xenophobic attacks on their operations. The Ministry's statement highlights the importance of self-sufficiency in repatriation efforts, which could have significant legal and financial consequences for countries like Ghana. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how African countries respond to South Africa's reimbursement request and whether this development leads to a reevaluation of the existing framework.

Lawyers advising clients on business operations in South Africa should be aware of the potential for reimbursement demands and factor this into their risk assessments, as it may impact future evacuation costs.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs