Ghana Summons South Africa’s Envoy Over Xenophobic Incidents
Ghana has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba, over recent xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa.
The objective of the summons was to formally express strong concern regarding reported acts of intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians as captured in widely circulated viral videos.
The Ministry reports that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okutheto Ablakwa, during the engagement referenced an incident in the Kwabilu-Natal Province, where a Ghanaian national, a legal resident, was confronted and asked to provide proof of his legal status and further instructed to leave South Africa and “fix his country.”
The Minister noted that such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals.
He indicated that follow-up reports suggest escalating tensions, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians being advised to remain indoors for their safety.
While noting that no fatalities or injuries had been recorded in the current instance, he recalled that similar incidents in the past had resulted in loss of lives and property and stressed the need to avert any recurrence.
Ablakwa further referenced historic and fraternal relations between Ghana and South Africa, recalling Ghana’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle and the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as the sacrifices made in the pursuit of South Africa’s liberation.
The Minister emphasised that the unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity.
He stressed that Africans must not engage in conducts that undermine peaceful coexistence on the continent.
The Government of Ghana accordingly registered a formal protest and called for immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection and safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, swift intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent further escalation and onward assurances that such incidents will not recur.
The Acting High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that the Government of South Africa is seized with the matter and is taking steps to restore calm as law enforcement authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent violence and hold individuals involved in the incidents accountable for their actions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the general public of its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals and will continue to engage the appropriate authorities to ensure their safety and protection.”
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