Ablakwa summons South African envoy over rising xenophobic tensions

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over growing xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

The development was contained in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 23, confirming that Mr. Thando Dalamba was invited for urgent discussions.

The statement was signed by the Ministry, outlining concerns raised by the Minister regarding recent incidents captured in widely circulated videos showing acts of intimidation and harassment.

Ablakwa expressed “strong concern regarding reported acts of intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians,” stressing that such developments threaten regional harmony.

He referenced a specific incident in KwaZulu-Natal Province where a Ghanaian national, described as a legal resident, was confronted and asked to provide proof of his status.

According to the Minister, the individual was also instructed to leave South Africa and “fix his country,” a remark he said undermines “the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals.”

He further indicated that follow-up reports point to escalating tensions, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being advised to remain indoors for safety.

While noting that no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current situation, Ablakwa warned that “similar incidents in the past had resulted in loss of lives and property,” underscoring the need to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister also invoked the historical ties between Ghana and South Africa, highlighting Ghana’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle and the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to South Africa’s liberation.

He stressed that “unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity,” urging restraint.

The government has formally protested the incidents and called for “immediate and effective measures” to guarantee the safety of Ghanaian nationals, alongside firm assurances that such acts will not happen again.

In response, the Acting High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns and indicated that South African authorities are addressing the situation.

He noted that the government is monitoring developments closely to restore calm and ensure accountability for those involved.

Background to the incident shows that a widely circulated video captured a group of South Africans confronting a Ghanaian and other African nationals, demanding proof of legal residency.

The individuals were pressured to justify their presence and were told to return to their home countries instead of seeking better opportunities abroad.

The Ministry says it will continue engaging relevant authorities to safeguard the welfare and protection of Ghanaians living in South Africa.