Accra: Private Legal Practitioner and Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Clara Kowlaga Kasser-Tee, has criticized the South African government over recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, insisting that African countries must begin demanding accountability from Pretoria.
According to Ghana Web, Kasser-Tee's comments came in a Facebook post shared on May 28, 2026, where she responded to remarks by Julius Malema, Leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), regarding Ghana's recent evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa. This evacuation followed renewed tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals. Kasser-Tee questioned the treatment of Ghanaians in South Africa, asking whether they were met with diplomacy and dialogue.
Kasser-Tee argued that the African continent has shown excessive tolerance towards South Africa despite repeated incidents of xenophobic violence over the years. She called for African countries to take stronger political and economic measures against South Africa in response to these attacks.
Kasser-Tee emphasized that the South African government must be held accountable both politically and in business. She advocated for tougher reciprocal policies, including restrictions tied to agreements and permits, to drive home the lesson of interdependence and interconnectedness.
She further insisted that the South African government must bear responsibility for ensuring the safety of African migrants and their businesses. Kasser-Tee praised the Ghanaian government for evacuating affected citizens, underscoring the importance of protecting Ghanaians abroad.
Kasser-Tee urged South African authorities to take concrete steps to protect the businesses, properties, and assets of Ghanaians still residing in the country. She criticized any attempts to downplay Ghana's evacuation efforts, emphasizing that the South African government has a duty to secure the safety of foreign nationals within its borders.
Her comments came in response to Julius Malema's statement, which suggested that Ghana's evacuation of its citizens created a negative impression of South Africa. Malema argued that the actions of a section of society should not be used to judge the entire country, asserting that the Ghanaian response was unnecessary and painted all South Africans in a bad light.