Ghana has intensified diplomatic engagement with South Africa following rising xenophobic incidents, summoning the country’s Acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to address growing safety concerns affecting Ghanaians.
At a meeting held on Thursday, April 23, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, formally conveyed the government’s concerns, describing recent acts of harassment and intimidation against foreign nationals as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
The move comes amid reports of escalating tensions, including a widely circulated incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a Ghanaian resident was reportedly confronted and asked to prove his legal status before being ordered to leave the country. Authorities say such actions risk undermining the rights of lawful residents and fuelling further unrest.
Government sources indicate that some foreign nationals have been advised to remain indoors as a precaution, highlighting the seriousness of the situation despite no confirmed casualties in the latest wave of incidents.
In response, Ghana has lodged a formal protest and is pushing for immediate intervention by South African authorities to restore order, protect affected individuals, and prevent a recurrence. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has stressed that the developments threaten long-standing ties between the two countries.
Mr Ablakwa also referenced Ghana’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle under Kwame Nkrumah, noting that the current incidents contradict the spirit of African solidarity and cooperation.
The Acting High Commissioner, Mr Dalamba, acknowledged the concerns and assured that the South African government was taking steps to address the situation. He indicated that security agencies were monitoring developments closely and working to hold those responsible accountable.
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry says it will continue sustained diplomatic engagement until firm guarantees are secured for the safety and protection of its citizens living in South Africa.
