A Ghanaian resident in South Africa, Isaac Owusu, has described the situation facing many foreign nationals as increasingly alarming, claiming that arrests and security operations targeting migrants have intensified in several parts of the country amid ongoing anti-immigration protests.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday, June 30, Mr. Owusu said conditions for many Ghanaians and other migrants have deteriorated significantly since the latest wave of demonstrations began.
“Unfortunately, we are not okay. It is very, very tough. We are not okay at all,” he said.
According to him, while the situation appeared relatively calm in previous days, Tuesday’s developments saw authorities conduct operations in some communities in and around Pretoria.
“The last time we spoke, the situation was a bit under control, but today the situation is very bad. In places around Pretoria, they managed to go to some areas, entering door to door with the police, Home Affairs officials and community protection groups,” he claimed.
Mr. Owusu said some Ghanaians living in smaller towns around Pretoria had reportedly been affected by the operations, although he could not immediately confirm the exact number involved.
“I cannot count how many Ghanaians were affected, but according to our WhatsApp platform, some Ghanaians are affected,” he stated.
He also identified Bloemfontein as one of the areas experiencing the most intense operations.
“A place called Bloemfontein is the hotspot of this situation. Very bad. Most of the places where foreigners live have been targeted,” he alleged.
Mr. Owusu further claimed that in some instances, individuals with valid immigration documents were also being detained during security operations.
“Even if you have a document, they will still take you. Even when Home Affairs verifies that you have proper documents, they will still take you into police custody. For what, we don’t know,” he said.
He alleged that a number of Ghanaians had been arrested, particularly those without valid documentation.
The Ghanaian resident appealed to the Government of Ghana to intensify efforts to support citizens living in South Africa as tensions continue to rise.
“We are pleading with the government to please come to our aid. It is very, very bad as we are talking about it,” he said.
Mr. Owusu also expressed concern over reports that anti-immigration actions could continue in the coming weeks.
“They have stated that every Thursday they are going to continue until the government of South Africa responds to their demands,” he added.
His comments come as anti-immigration protests intensified across parts of South Africa on Tuesday, with hundreds of demonstrators marching through central Pretoria to demand stricter enforcement of immigration laws and action against undocumented migrants.
The growing tensions have prompted the Ghana High Commission in South Africa to advise Ghanaians to remain indoors, avoid opening their businesses, and stay at designated shelters while authorities prepare another evacuation exercise expected to begin next week.
South African authorities have deployed security personnel to monitor the demonstrations and maintain public order, while migrant communities continue to express concerns about their safety as the situation unfolds.
