A Ghanaian resident in South Africa has appealed to the Government of Ghana to step up support for its citizens as anti-immigration operations intensify across parts of the country.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Isaac Owusu described the situation as increasingly worrying, saying many migrants were living in fear following coordinated security operations involving police, immigration officials and community groups.
According to him, conditions have deteriorated significantly, particularly in communities around Pretoria, where authorities are reportedly conducting door-to-door operations targeting foreign nationals.
“Unfortunately, we are not okay. It is very, very tough. We are not okay at all,” he said.
Mr. Owusu explained that while the situation had appeared relatively calm in previous days, Tuesday’s operations had heightened anxiety among migrant communities, including Ghanaians.
He said information shared on Ghanaian community WhatsApp platforms indicated that some Ghanaians had been affected by the latest security operations, although he could not immediately confirm the exact number.
He identified Bloemfontein as one of the areas experiencing the most intensive operations, alleging that neighbourhoods with large migrant populations had become the focus of enforcement activities.
Mr. Owusu further claimed that some individuals with valid immigration documents were also being detained during the operations, even after their legal status had been verified by immigration authorities.
“Even if you have a document, they will still take you. Even when Home Affairs verifies that you have proper documents, they will still take you into police custody. For what, we don’t know,” he alleged.
He noted that undocumented migrants were also being arrested and appealed to the Ghanaian government to provide additional assistance to citizens living in South Africa.
“We are pleading with the government to please come to our aid. It is very, very bad as we are talking about it,” he said.
Mr. Owusu also expressed concern over reports that anti-immigration demonstrations and related operations could continue every Thursday until protesters’ demands are addressed by the South African government.
The appeal comes as anti-immigration protests continue in several South African cities, prompting the Ghana High Commission to advise Ghanaians to remain indoors, suspend business activities where necessary and comply with safety directives.
The High Commission has also announced plans to facilitate another voluntary evacuation exercise for Ghanaians who wish to return home as authorities continue to monitor the evolving security situation.
