A Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa died shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

The deceased was among 50 Ghanaians who arrived in Accra at 5:50pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, aboard an Air Tanzania flight as part of the government’s evacuation exercise.

The Ministry said the passenger’s health began deteriorating about 30 minutes before the aircraft touched down in Accra. A medical emergency team stationed at the airport immediately attended to the passenger upon arrival.

Despite efforts to save the passenger, doctors confirmed the death at 6:55pm at the airport’s Emergency Medical Reception. The Ministry said the remains had been deposited at the Police Hospital for autopsy and that arrangements were underway to inform the deceased’s family.

The identity of the deceased and the cause of death have not been disclosed. The Ministry’s statement also did not establish any connection between the death and the reported xenophobic incidents in South Africa.

The death comes as Ghana steps up diplomatic engagement over concerns about the safety of its nationals in South Africa following reports of attacks and confrontations involving foreign nationals.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has engaged his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, over the concerns, while Ghana also summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra and lodged a formal protest.

The government has said the evacuation is primarily a humanitarian response to growing safety concerns. It has reportedly been preparing to facilitate the return of about 1,000 Ghanaians who voluntarily registered for the exercise.

The wider concerns intensified following the reported killing of 40-year-old Ghanaian Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30, 2026, amid demonstrations linked to anti-immigrant protests.

Ghana has also urged the African Union to place xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of its 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. President John Mahama has maintained that Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa remain intact while stressing that attacks against Ghanaian nationals cannot be ignored. The latest death, however, remains subject to medical and official findings and has not been linked to the reported attacks.