At least 132 more Ghanaians returned from South Africa after fleeing xenophobic unrest. Their arrival forms part of a government plan to repatriate 1,000 nationals.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said another 84 people were expected by the end of July 28. Ghana is working with South African authorities to organize an evacuation it describes as orderly, dignified and safe.
The Ghanaian government has received the body of one citizen killed during the recent attacks. It is also engaging South African officials to secure the repatriation of a second deceased national.
Accra formally petitioned the chairperson of the African Union Commission to place xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the organization's agenda as an urgent concern.
Ablakwa said the petition was not intended to isolate South Africa. Ghana is seeking a collective response to violence that it says harms the rights, dignity and security of African citizens and undermines the continent's integration agenda.
The government plans to continue working through the African Union for a coordinated approach. Its stated priorities are accountability, protection of African migrants and measures to prevent renewed xenophobic violence.
