Ghana has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, over recent xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in a move that signals growing diplomatic concern over the safety of its citizens abroad.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the meeting on Thursday, April 23, expressed strong dissatisfaction over reported acts of intimidation and harassment captured in widely circulated viral videos, describing them as unacceptable and a threat to the dignity of affected individuals.
Central to the government’s concern is an incident in KwaZulu-Natal, where a Ghanaian resident was reportedly confronted, asked to prove his legal status, and ordered to leave South Africa and “fix his country.” Ablakwa noted that such actions undermine the rights of law-abiding residents and risk escalating tensions.
The situation, according to the Minister, appears to be worsening, with reports indicating that some foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have been advised to remain indoors for their safety. Although no casualties have been recorded in the current wave of incidents, he warned that similar occurrences in the past have resulted in loss of lives and property.
Ghana has consequently lodged a formal protest, urging South African authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect foreign nationals, prevent further escalation, and provide firm assurances that such incidents will not recur.
Ablakwa further stressed that the attacks run contrary to the principles of African unity, recalling Ghana’s historical support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle under Kwame Nkrumah and emphasising that such acts undermine longstanding bilateral relations.
In response, the Acting High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns and assured that the South African government is actively addressing the situation.
He noted that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring developments to restore calm and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, indicating that it will continue to engage relevant authorities until the safety of its citizens is fully guaranteed.
