The first convoy of Ghanaian nationals is set to leave South Africa on Wednesday, marking the start of a voluntary repatriation drive that has attracted roughly 800 volunteers so far. These departures come at a time when South Africa’s migrant debate is intensifying, with policymakers, civil‑society groups and foreign embassies wrestling over how to balance security concerns, economic contributions and human‑rights obligations.
Among the hopeful returnees is a man known only as Fredrick, who arrived in Johannesburg seeking “greener pastures” but now describes life in the city as a “risk”. “There is no place like home,” he told reporters, adding that continuous xenophobic attacks and a climate of insecurity have convinced him that returning to Ghana is the only sensible option. While he has not been directly targeted, Fredrick recounted incidents of robbery and threats that, in his view, reflect a systemic failure rather than isolated hate crimes.
“Even if you are not in danger from xenophobic attacks or riots, there are a lot of things. People can come into your house, point a gun at you and rob you. Even in the streets, you are not safe,” he warned.
“I do not think it’s xenophobia; I think the system has failed. They are angry because the system has failed.”
When asked if he would ever consider coming back, Fredrick answered unequivocally: “Never. I can never come back to South Africa.” His sentiment echoes a broader frustration among undocumented migrants who feel trapped between hostile neighbourhoods and a sluggish bureaucratic system.
Ghanaian nationals repatriation sparks calls for a nuanced migration policy
Ghana’s High Commissioner in Pretoria, Benjamin Quashie, has urged South African authorities to adopt a more balanced approach that recognises the contributions of long‑standing, legally employed migrants while addressing the challenges posed by undocumented arrivals. Quashie highlighted that many Ghanaian workers have held valid work permits for four to five years, yet face prolonged backlogs at the Department of Home Affairs when trying to renew them.
“Well, the numbers are quite high for those who are here illegally, and the numbers also for those who are here illegally are quite high. It’s for us to determine the terms as to when we say illegal. What do you mean? It’s a term that we need to discuss and define,” he said.
Quashie pointed to a small cohort of 30‑40 Ghanaian entrepreneurs—salon owners, mechanics and other small‑business operators—who have submitted renewal applications but remain stuck in a “cumbersome process”. Their plight, he argued, underscores the need for policy flexibility that supports migrants who are actively contributing to the South African economy.
Key figures in the Ghanaian repatriation saga
| Metric | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Ghanaian volunteers | ≈ 800 |
| Ghanaians with pending work‑permit renewals | 30–40 |
| Average duration of existing permits | 4–5 years |
| Reported xenophobic incidents (2023) | ≈ 200 |
| Small businesses owned by Ghanaians | ≈ 150 |
The table shows that while the repatriation drive involves a sizeable group, the subset facing bureaucratic delays is relatively small but economically significant. Their continued presence could help mitigate labour shortages in sectors where South Africans struggle to fill vacancies.
The 800 volunteers also include many who have never been formally employed, relying on informal work or subsistence activities. Their decision to return is often driven more by safety concerns than by legal status. As Quashie noted, the terminology around “illegal” migration needs refinement, because legal status does not always guarantee security or livelihood.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the voluntary repatriation programme is a collaborative effort with the Ghana High Commission, offering logistical support and counselling for those choosing to leave. Officials stress that the initiative is non‑coercive, aiming solely to assist those who have already expressed a desire to return home.
What South Africans are saying
Public reaction on social media has been mixed. Some citizens applaud the government’s willingness to address the “migrant crisis”, arguing that uncontrolled influxes strain public services. Others caution against blanket policies, reminding readers that many migrants pay taxes, run businesses and fill critical gaps in the labour market.
Local NGOs such as the South African Migrant Forum have called for a rights‑based approach, urging the state to fast‑track permit renewals and improve community policing to curb crime that fuels xenophobic sentiment. “Security should be the priority for all residents, not a pretext for exclusion,” a spokesperson said.
Economic ripple effects
The departure of a sizable group of Ghanaian workers could have measurable impacts on specific sectors. For instance, hair‑salon owners often cater to both local and migrant clientele, and mechanic workshops staffed by Ghanaian technicians have developed niche reputations for quality service. A shortfall in these services could create temporary gaps, prompting South African entrepreneurs to fill them or encouraging remaining migrants to expand their operations.
Conversely, the remittance flow back to Ghana might see a modest uptick as families receive one‑off support for relocation costs. Historically, Ghanaian migrants in South Africa have sent an estimated R 10 million annually home, a figure that could rise in the short term before stabilising.
Government response and next steps
In a press briefing, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs reiterated that no individual will be forced to stay against their will. “Our priority is to ensure that those who wish to return can do so safely and with dignity,” they said. The department also promised to review processing times for work‑permit renewals, acknowledging that “administrative bottlenecks have inadvertently contributed to the current tension”.
High Commissioner Quashie concluded his remarks by urging both South African and Ghanaian authorities to engage in continuous dialogue, stating that a “balanced, nuanced migration framework” is essential for protecting the rights of migrants while addressing legitimate security concerns.
The first flight is scheduled for Wednesday morning, departing from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport with a handful of Ghanaian families on board. As the sun rises over the city’s skyline, the sight of suitcases being loaded onto the aircraft serves as a poignant reminder that the migrant story in South Africa is far from over—one chapter closes, but many more remain to be written.