Accra: Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has held a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, following widely circulated videos depicting alleged xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa. The engagement comes amid growing public concern in Ghana over the disturbing footage, which has sparked calls for swift diplomatic action to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals abroad.
According to Ghana News Agency, incidents of xenophobic violence have periodically been reported in South Africa, often targeting foreign nationals, including other Africans engaged in small-scale businesses and informal sector activities. Previous outbreaks, notably in 2008, 2015, and 2019, resulted in fatalities, injuries, and displacement of migrants, drawing condemnation from African governments and regional bodies such as the African Union.
Ghana has, in the past, engaged South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of its nationals during such crises, while also urging restraint and dialogue. Mr Ablakwa said the South African Foreign Minister expressed empathy for the victims and assured that full-scale investigations would be conducted into the incidents. He noted that the Government of South Africa would also brief African Ambassadors later on Thursday as part of efforts to address the situation.
The Minister disclosed that he had been in constant contact with Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, to coordinate Ghana's response. He confirmed that officials at Ghana's diplomatic mission had located the main victim featured in the viral video and were providing him with consular assistance. "He is doing very well. No Ghanaian life has been lost," Mr Ablakwa stated, urging calm and assuring the public of the government's commitment to protecting its citizens.
He reaffirmed that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama remained resolute in safeguarding the welfare and security of Ghanaians both at home and abroad. Mr Ablakwa also called for unity across the African continent, stressing that isolated acts of violence should not undermine longstanding Pan-African solidarity.