The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is preparing to evacuate 76 Ghanaian nationals from Cambodia following emerging concerns over their welfare and a wave of misinformation suggesting that African foreign nationals had been ordered to leave the Southeast Asian country. The ministry has firmly dismissed the viral notice as fake, stating that no such directive has been issued by Cambodian authorities.
According to official communications from the ministry, the Government of Ghana has been in active contact with Cambodian immigration authorities, who have also publicly denied issuing any deportation order targeting African nationals. The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has further clarified that the circulating document is “completely untrue,” seeking to calm rising anxiety among affected foreign communities.
The clarification comes amid heightened concerns after several Ghanaian nationals in Cambodia reportedly reached out to the Foreign Affairs Ministry requesting assistance and evacuation. Officials say that prior to the circulation of the false notice, multiple Ghanaian citizens had already expressed fear over their safety and legal status in the country, prompting early engagement by diplomatic missions.
The ministry has confirmed that evacuation arrangements are already underway. In total, 85 Ghanaian nationals have been assisted and evacuated from Cambodia between March and May 2026 under ongoing consular support operations. An additional 76 nationals are currently in the process of being evacuated, bringing the total number of affected citizens receiving assistance to 161.
Officials have assured that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad, regardless of their location or circumstances. The ministry emphasized that consular protection remains a central pillar of Ghana’s foreign policy, particularly in situations involving misinformation, legal uncertainty, or potential distress among nationals living overseas.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Ghana’s High Commission in Malaysia, which oversees consular affairs for Ghanaian nationals in Cambodia, has been coordinating closely with local authorities and international partners to verify reports and ensure orderly evacuation procedures. The mission has also been providing direct assistance to affected individuals, including documentation support, travel coordination, and emergency communication with families in Ghana.
Officials further explained that the situation highlights the growing challenge of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, which can quickly escalate anxiety among expatriate communities. The Foreign Ministry cautioned Ghanaians abroad to verify any official notices through embassy channels before taking action, warning that false reports can create unnecessary panic and disrupt diplomatic processes.
At the same time, the ministry acknowledged that while the deportation notice was fake, legitimate concerns had already been raised by some Ghanaian nationals in Cambodia prior to its circulation. These concerns prompted early precautionary engagement, which has now evolved into a structured evacuation exercise.
Government sources say the evacuation process is being carried out in phases to ensure safety and proper documentation. The ministry has not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to the initial distress among the nationals but insists that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safe return.
The Government of Ghana reiterated that the welfare of its citizens remains a top priority and that diplomatic missions worldwide are mandated to respond swiftly to emergencies affecting nationals abroad. It also praised the cooperation of Cambodian authorities, who swiftly issued clarifications to dispel the misinformation and avoid diplomatic misunderstandings.
The Foreign Ministry has urged the public to disregard any unverified claims suggesting mass expulsions or emergency deportation orders involving Ghanaian nationals in Cambodia. It added that official updates will continue to be shared through verified government platforms and diplomatic channels.
As evacuation efforts continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the final number of citizens repatriated and the completion timeline for the exercise. For now, officials maintain that the situation is under control and that all affected nationals are being supported through coordinated consular action.
The development adds to ongoing global concerns about the impact of misinformation on migration and foreign relations, particularly when sensitive issues involving citizens abroad are involved. Ghana’s response, officials say, reflects both rapid diplomatic engagement and a structured approach to citizen protection.
New global migration trends after US travel ban stir concern among Ghanaian citizens