Ghanaian Evacuee Dies After Being Repatriated from South Africa, Raisi

A Ghanaian national evacuated from South Africa as part of a government repatriation exercise has died shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death on Friday, August 14, 2026, hours after the passenger's health began to deteriorate during the flight.

Death on Arrival

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the deceased was among 50 Ghanaians who arrived in Ghana aboard an Air Tanzania flight at 5:50 p.m. on Friday. The passenger's health condition started to deteriorate about 30 minutes before the aircraft touched down in Accra.

Emergency Response

A medical emergency team stationed at the airport attended to the passenger immediately upon arrival and attempted to stabilise the condition. However, the Ministry said all efforts to save the passenger proved unsuccessful, with doctors confirming the death at 6:55 p.m.

Formalities Underway

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said it was undertaking the necessary formalities to inform the deceased's family. The Ministry added that the remains had been deposited at the Police Hospital for autopsy. The Ministry said it would provide further information on the circumstances surrounding the death after engaging formally with the bereaved family.

Investigation to Follow

The Ministry said the deceased was part of a government-organised evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, although the statement did not disclose the circumstances that necessitated the evacuation or the identity of the deceased. The Ministry's statement on the matter is likely to be closely scrutinised in the coming days as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death unfolds.

Source: JOY