The Government of Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Africans.

In a travel advisory issued on Monday, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said groups described as “anti-immigrant vigilantes” had been responsible for attacks that resulted in injuries, looting, business closures and destruction of property.

The ministry urged Ghanaians to exercise caution and suspend unnecessary travel plans to South Africa until the security situation improves.

“Exercise extreme caution in your plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the advisory stated.

As part of its response, the Ghanaian government said it had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and formally petitioned the African Union over the attacks.

Accra also called on the South African government to provide adequate security for vulnerable foreign nationals and take urgent steps to restore law and order.

The advisory comes after Ghana began evacuating some of its citizens from South Africa. The first batch of evacuees arrived home last week and were received by senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister James Gyakye Quayson.

Speaking during the reception, Debrah reaffirmed the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to protecting Ghanaians wherever they reside.

He described the evacuation as a necessary step to safeguard the welfare, dignity and safety of affected citizens, adding that the government would support their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Ablakwa also commended various agencies, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the National Disaster Management Organisation, for their roles in the evacuation process.

According to the Foreign Ministry, returnees will receive psychosocial and medical support, as well as reintegration assistance to help them rebuild their lives.