University of Ghana advises employees and students against travelling to South Africa
The University of Ghana has warned its staff and students against travelling to South Africa following a wave of mounting xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents in that country.
In an advisory issued Monday July 6, 2026, the Management of the University said it is closely monitoring recent developments in South Africa where demonstrations targeting foreign nationals have occurred in several parts of that country.
Referring to reports, the University said some of these demonstrations have resulted in disruption to public life and incidents of violence, “raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals,” it added.
“In the interest of the safety and security of members of the University community, all employees and students are advised to avoid travel to South Africa, whether for official business or personal reasons, until further notice,” the advisory said.
The University further strongly advised employees and students to defer any travel to South Africa, and asked its responsible officers to suspend approvals for travel to South Africa until further notice.
The University then urged its members who are currently in South Africa to exercise caution, avoid locations of demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities as well as Ghanaian diplomatic authorities and maintain contact with officials at the University.
Some citizens of South Africa have in recent times intensified activities targeting foreign nationals living in that country, forcing them to leave. In some instances, some foreign nationals have been violently attacked, and some killed.
While the groups of rampaging South Africans claim they are only targeting undocumented aliens living illegally in their country, there are instances where individual living and working legally in the country, and even South Africans who are unable to speak the Zulu dialect have been attacked, as captured in videos circulating on social media.
In response to the wave of attacks, the Ghana government repatriated about 926 citizens from South Africa in May and June this year. Some 900 citizens have been screened and are awaiting further repatriation.
Other countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, have also repatriated their citizens before a June 30, 2026 deadline.
By Peter Quarshie
Image Source: GHANA BUSINESS NEWS
