The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to peace, diplomacy and African solidarity, stating that the country will not retaliate against South Africans living in Ghana despite growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana will continue to uphold the principles of tolerance, unity and respect for human rights, even in the face of provocation.
He stressed that retaliatory actions against South Africans residing in Ghana would undermine the country’s long-standing reputation as a leader in promoting Pan-Africanism and peaceful coexistence on the continent.
Speaking on Joy FM on Saturday, June 6, Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to remain calm and resist any temptation to take matters into their own hands.
He noted that responding to discrimination and hostility with similar actions would only worsen tensions and diminish Ghana’s moral standing.
“We do not want to be caught up in a situation where you are seen doing what you are complaining about. We want to take the high moral grounds. Lets remember that this whole African unity agenda was espoused by Kwame Nkrumah and so the entire continent looks up to Ghana for leadership so we cannot be seen to be doing what we are complaining and criticising and so I will continue to urge fellow citizens to take the high moral grounds.
“Let us not retaliate. That is the strength of our character and that is what shows that we are special and not like the others.”
The minister’s comments come amid renewed concerns about xenophobic sentiments and attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have periodically faced hostility, intimidation and violence.
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