Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that a Ghanaian involved in a viral xenophobic confrontation in South Africa has been identified and is currently receiving consular assistance from Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the country.
He also disclosed that no Ghanaian has been killed in the recent wave of attacks targeting undocumented immigrants, urging calm and confidence as the state works to ensure the safety of Ghanaian expatriates, particularly in Johannesburg.
“I am gladdened that so far colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well. No Ghanaian life has been lost. We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he stated.
Ablakwa further revealed that he held a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, over the disturbing videos circulating online. According to him, the South African minister expressed empathy for the victims and pledged a full-scale investigation into the incident, which forms part of recurring xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Ghanaian victim was reportedly confronted by agitated individuals who accused him of being an undocumented immigrant after he was found with a certified copy of his passport. He clarified that he carried a copy to prevent damage to the original document but they vehemently opposed.
Ablakwa also noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration is expected to brief African ambassadors on the situation, while Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, remains in constant contact with authorities to coordinate Ghana’s response.
The Foreign Minister assured that government remains committed to the welfare and protection of all Ghanaians both at home and abroad, adding that Ghana will not relent in safeguarding its citizens under any circumstance. He also called for restraint, stressing that such incidents should not undermine African unity and Pan-African solidarity.
Recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa have been fueled by economic pressure, high unemployment, and growing resentment towards undocumented migrants, who are often accused of competing for jobs and public services. These conditions have periodically triggered violent outbreaks targeting foreign nationals, despite government efforts to curb such attacks.
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has a long history, with major flare-ups recorded in 2008, 2015, and 2019, resulting in deaths, displacement, and destruction of property. In many cases, foreign nationals—including Africans from neighbouring countries—have been targeted in mobs, leading to diplomatic interventions and evacuation efforts by affected countries.
In several past incidents, victims have been rescued through coordinated police intervention and diplomatic engagement. Ghanaian missions, alongside other African embassies, have previously worked with South African authorities to secure affected citizens, provide shelter, and facilitate voluntary return or relocation where necessary.
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