Ghana engages South Africa over xenophobic attacks on citizens.
Ghana has moved to engage South African authorities after widely circulated videos appeared to show Ghanaian nationals being targeted in xenophobic attacks, prompting urgent diplomatic intervention between Accra and Pretoria.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that he held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, to address the situation and coordinate a response.
In a statement shared on social media, Mr Ablakwa said the call was prompted by disturbing footage circulating online. “I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” he stated.
He indicated that the South African government had responded with concern and pledged immediate action. “The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” he said.
As part of the response, authorities in Pretoria are expected to brief African diplomatic missions, a move aimed at providing clarity and addressing concerns raised by affected countries across the continent.
Mr Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa had already begun engaging with affected nationals. He said the High Commissioner, Benjamin Quarshie, had been in constant contact with the ministry as efforts were stepped up to verify incidents and provide support.
“I am also able to confirm that since yesterday, I have been in constant contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa, His Excellency Benjamin Quarshie, coordinating our response,” he noted.
According to him, consular officials have located one of the individuals featured in the viral footage and are providing assistance. “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,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He reassured the public that no Ghanaian fatalities had been recorded and called for calm while investigations continue. “No Ghanaian life has been lost. We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.
Reaffirming government’s position, the minister stressed that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama remained resolute in safeguarding citizens both at home and abroad. “Let me assure compatriots that the Mahama Administration remains uncompromising about the welfare and safety of Ghanaians, both at home and abroad. We are determined to guarantee the protection of all citizens,” he added.
He further appealed for unity across the continent, warning against allowing isolated incidents to undermine broader African solidarity. “May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity for each other. The overwhelming majority of Africans are united and share an unbreakable bond — we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” he said.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries, have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of violence linked to economic pressures and competition in the informal sector.
Past incidents have triggered diplomatic engagements involving countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, as well as interventions by the African Union, with authorities in South Africa consistently pledging investigations and preventive measures.
With fresh concerns emerging from the latest videos, both governments are now working to establish the facts while ensuring the safety of affected individuals, as diplomatic channels remain actively engaged.
