Ghana demands SA compensation for anti-foreigner violence after the West African nation announced it is documenting losses suffered by its citizens during recent attacks in South Africa, paving the way for legal and diplomatic claims against Pretoria.

The move makes Ghana the second African country in recent weeks to seek compensation following South Africa xenophobic attacks, after Nigeria launched a similar initiative earlier this month.

Speaking during a media briefing, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the government had begun compiling a register of claims from Ghanaians who lost businesses, investments and personal property during the violence. The database is expected to support future legal proceedings and diplomatic negotiations.

The latest development has intensified the debate surrounding anti-foreigner violence in South Africa and its impact on regional relations, trade and migration within Africa.

Ghana compensation claim gathers momentum

The Ghana compensation claim comes after weeks of unrest that forced hundreds of Ghanaian nationals to flee South Africa.

According to Ablakwa, the Ghanaian government is committed to ensuring that citizens who suffered financial losses receive justice through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.

He said the register of claims would capture all documented losses, including destroyed businesses, damaged investments and personal property abandoned during the violence.

“Since a number of the returning nationals were deprived of their assets and property, the government is establishing a register of claims that will enable the Ministry to pursue legal and diplomatic processes for compensation,” Ablakwa said.

Officials believe the documentation process will strengthen Ghana’s case should formal negotiations with South Africa proceed.

South Africa xenophobic attacks spark diplomatic tensions

The recent South Africa xenophobic attacks have strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and several African countries.

Governments across the continent have expressed concern over repeated incidents targeting foreign nationals living and working in South Africa.

The attacks have affected migrants from several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique.

Many foreign-owned businesses were reportedly looted or destroyed, while hundreds of migrants fled their homes amid fears for their safety.

South African authorities have condemned the violence, describing it as criminal activity rather than government policy, and have pledged to investigate incidents and prosecute those responsible.

However, affected countries argue that stronger action is needed to protect African migrants living in South Africa.

Ghana follows Nigeria compensation demand

Nigeria compensation demand sets precedent

Ghana’s latest announcement closely follows the Nigeria compensation demand made earlier this month.

The Nigerian government also began documenting businesses, homes and investments destroyed during the violence to support its request for compensation from South Africa.

Nigerian officials argued that citizens who lost their livelihoods deserve restitution and accountability.

Pretoria, however, rejected calls for blanket compensation, stating that any claims would have to comply with South African law and be supported by verified documentation.

Legal experts say Ghana’s decision to establish a comprehensive claims register may strengthen its position if formal negotiations or legal proceedings are pursued.

Both Ghana and Nigeria insist that victims should receive compensation for losses suffered during the unrest.

Ghana evacuates citizens amid growing unrest

Evacuation programme expands

As part of its emergency response, Ghana evacuates citizens affected by the violence through a large-scale repatriation programme.

The first phase saw 926 Ghanaian nationals flown home from Johannesburg aboard three chartered aircraft.

Authorities later launched a second phase of the operation, expected to assist another 1,000 citizens wishing to return home.

Government officials confirmed that more than 130 additional returnees had already arrived safely, with further evacuation flights planned.

The evacuation programme represents one of Ghana’s largest emergency responses involving citizens abroad.

Officials say protecting the safety of Ghanaians remains the government’s immediate priority while legal processes continue.

Reintegration support for returning Ghanaians

Beyond evacuation efforts, Ghana has introduced a comprehensive reintegration programme to assist citizens returning home.

The package includes:

• A GHS5,000 financial grant.
• Transport assistance.
• Free registration for the National Health Insurance Scheme.
• Employment support.
• Skills assessments and job placement programmes.

Government officials say approximately 200 employment opportunities have already been secured through partnerships with private-sector companies.

A multi-agency task team has also been established to assess the qualifications, work experience and long-term employment needs of returnees.

Authorities hope these measures will ease the transition for citizens rebuilding their lives after losing businesses and property in South Africa.

Anti-foreigner violence remains major concern

The recent anti-foreigner violence follows months of campaigns targeting undocumented migrants and foreign-owned businesses in parts of South Africa.

Groups including March and March and Operation Dudula have organised demonstrations calling for stricter immigration enforcement and increased deportations of undocumented foreign nationals.

Critics have accused some activists of intimidating African migrants and targeting businesses owned by foreign nationals.

The violence has reportedly claimed the lives of at least two Ghanaian citizens, while many others suffered financial losses.

Human rights organisations continue calling for stronger protection of migrants and faster investigations into attacks.

African Union urged to intervene

Ghana has expanded its response beyond compensation by taking the matter to regional institutions.

The government has petitioned the African Union to place South Africa xenophobic attacks on its official agenda, arguing that recurring violence threatens regional integration and cooperation.

Accra has also secured support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which believes attacks on African migrants undermine the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Diplomatic observers say growing regional pressure could encourage broader discussions on migration, labour mobility and the protection of foreign nationals across Africa.

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Future of the Ghana compensation claim

The Ghana compensation claim is expected to progress once authorities complete the documentation of all verified losses suffered by affected citizens.

Legal experts note that international compensation claims involving sovereign governments can be complex and may require lengthy diplomatic negotiations.

South Africa has maintained that any compensation requests must be processed through existing legal channels and supported by credible evidence.

Nevertheless, Ghana’s structured approach, combined with Nigeria’s earlier initiative, signals growing determination among African governments to seek accountability for the economic impact of anti-foreigner violence.

As investigations continue and diplomatic engagements unfold, the issue is likely to remain central to discussions on migration, regional cooperation and the protection of African citizens living abroad.

The developments also place renewed focus on the need for lawful immigration enforcement, stronger public safety measures and lasting solutions that protect both local communities and foreign nationals while preserving regional unity.