Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has intensified its consular support services for nationals living in the country, with officials assuring continuous communication and round-the-clock assistance amid concerns over xenophobic incidents in the country.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, April 23, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quarshie, noted that the mission has established a dedicated 24-hour hotline to ensure Ghanaians can reach consular officers at any time of the day or night for support and updates.
He explained that the mission is constantly updating Ghanaian nationals with verified information as developments unfold.
“We keep on apprising them every time that we get new information. We have opened a dedicated line that officers are able to pick calls at midnight and anytime in the day to make sure that we give them the consular services that they deserve to have. The Ghanaian associations are well coordinated so that whatever information we give them is quickly relayed to the greater Ghanaian community here in South Africa,” he said.
According to him, the coordinated structure of Ghanaian associations in South Africa has made it easier to disseminate information quickly to citizens across different regions, helping to prevent panic and ensure timely responses to concerns.
This comes as Ghanaian authorities continue diplomatic engagement with South African counterparts following reports and viral content suggesting isolated xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals including Ghanaians in some parts of the country.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is also maintaining close contact with the mission in Pretoria and South African authorities as part of efforts to monitor the situation and provide consular protection.
Meanwhile, Officials say no Ghanaian fatalities have been recorded.
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