Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa is raising serious concern over what it describes as escalating anti-foreigner actions allegedly involving local government officials, amid reports that African migrants are being targeted and ordered to shut down businesses.
The development has triggered growing unease among affected communities after allegations emerged that a municipal authority in Estcourt, near Durban, instructed foreign-owned businesses to close and issued a 21-day ultimatum for migrants to leave the area.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, says the situation has affected several legally operating Ghanaian-owned businesses, including mechanics and small-scale enterprises, some of which have reportedly been forcibly closed.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, May 11, he alleged that a local mayor seized shop keys belonging to Ghanaian and other African traders and handed the premises over to local residents.
“The mayor in Estcourt has taken keys belonging to Ghanaians and other African migrants who are genuinely and legally working in his area. He has taken the keys, handed over their shops and businesses to locals,” he said.
