For many Ghanaians living in South Africa, the dream of a better life has turned into a nightmare. Following yet another surge of xenophobic attacks, a growing number say they no longer feel safe and are desperate to return to Accra.
But their hopes of a quick escape have been dashed.
The Ghanaian government has postponed a planned evacuation exercise, citing technical hurdles involving identity screening and flight permits from South African aviation authorities.
The delay has left dozens of anxious citizens in limbo, watching their backs while waiting for a lifeline that has yet to arrive.
During a recent visit to South Africa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister met with the stranded nationals, who did not hold back their frustration.
Some spoke tearfully of lost property and fear for their children’s safety. Others questioned why the evacuation couldn’t have been organised sooner.
“We are not asking for much, just to go home and start over,” one evacuee-to-be said.
In response, the minister assured them that the government is actively working to resolve the red tape, with the goal of bringing them back before the week ends. Whether that promise will be kept, however, remains to be seen.
For now, home feels both near and impossibly far.
