Ghana summons South African envoy as fresh xenophobic incidents rekindle fears of past attacks

Africa, Politics

ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Government of Ghana has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa over recent xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana, the envoy, Mr. Thando Dalamba, was invited by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to explain reported acts of intimidation and harassment captured in widely circulated videos.

Ablakwa expressed strong concern over an incident in KwaZulu-Natal Province, where a Ghanaian resident was allegedly confronted and asked to prove his legal status before being told to leave the country. He described the development as a violation of the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals.

The minister warned of rising tensions, noting that some foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have been advised to remain indoors for safety. While no casualties have been reported in the latest incidents, he cautioned that similar episodes in the past resulted in loss of lives and property.

Reaffirming longstanding ties between both nations, Ablakwa recalled Ghana’s historic support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and the contributions of Kwame Nkrumah to the country’s liberation.

He stressed that attacks on foreign nationals undermine African unity and called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of Ghanaians, prevent escalation, and guarantee that such incidents do not recur.

In response, the South African envoy acknowledged the concerns and said authorities in Pretoria are monitoring the situation closely, with efforts underway to restore calm and hold perpetrators accountable.

South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence in the past, notably in 2008, 2015 and 2019, when attacks on foreign nationals led to deaths, displacement and destruction of businesses. These incidents have drawn widespread condemnation across Africa and prompted repeated calls for stronger protections for migrants and foreign residents.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad and pledged continued engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard their welfare.