Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, to formally register government’s displeasure over recent xenophobic confrontations involving Ghanaians and to demand stronger protection for Ghanaian nationals in South Africa.
The move follows earlier engagements between the Minister and Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, led by Benjamin Quarshie, which confirmed that a Ghanaian in the KwaZulu-Natal Province who was confronted by anti-migrant agitators had been identified and is currently receiving consular assistance.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the individual involved is a legal resident, contrary to claims by the agitators who accused him of wrongdoing for carrying a certified copy of his passport and demanded that he leave the country.
The summoning of the High Commissioner was to formally express concern over the disturbing developments, which have prompted safety advisories for Ghanaians to remain indoors ahead of planned anti-migrant protests, although no fatalities have been recorded so far.
“The Government of Ghana accordingly registered a formal protest and called for immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection and safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, swift intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent further escalation and firm assurances that such incidents will not recur,” the statement said.
Ablakwa emphasised the longstanding historical ties between Ghana and South Africa, recalling Ghana’s support during the apartheid era and the role of Kwame Nkrumah in advancing African liberation struggles.
He stressed that the harassment of law-abiding individuals undermines the principles of African solidarity and unity, urging restraint and reaffirming that Africans must uphold peaceful coexistence across the continent.
“The Minister emphasised that the unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity. He stressed that Africans must not engage in conducts that undermine peaceful coexistence on the continent.” the statement read.
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