Ghanaian returnee from South Africa returnees dies at Accra Airport

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
A Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa dies at the Accra International Airport after arriving with 49 others as part of a government evacuation exercise.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry on August 14, the deceased was taken to the Emergency Medical Reception at the airport after experiencing a deterioration in health.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the deceased is among 50 Ghanaians who arrived in Ghana at 5:50 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, aboard an Air Tanzania flight from South Africa.

According to the Ministry, the deceased’s health condition began to deteriorate about 30 minutes before the aircraft touched down in Accra.

“Reports by other passengers indicate that the deceased’s health condition began to deteriorate about 30 minutes to touch down in Accra,” the Ministry says in a press release.

The statement says a medical emergency team is on standby at the airport to receive the returnees and attend to the deceased upon arrival.

However, the medical team is unable to save the individual, who is later confirmed dead by doctors.

“Regrettably, the deceased passed away and was confirmed dead by doctors at 6:55 pm after all attempts failed,” the Ministry states.

The Ministry says the deceased was taken to the Emergency Medical Reception at the Accra International Airport, where the medical team attended to the emergency.

It says arrangements are underway to formally inform the family of the deceased about the death.

“The Ministry is undertaking the formalities of informing the family of the deceased,” the statement says.

The remains have also been deposited at the Police Hospital for an autopsy, according to the Ministry.

The Ministry says it will provide an update on the development after formally engaging the bereaved family.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide an update on this sad development after formal engagement with the bereaved family,” it adds.

The identity of the deceased and further details surrounding her death is yet to be known.