The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to prioritise the protection and welfare of Ghanaians affected by the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, insisting that relief efforts should take precedence over publicity surrounding evacuation operations.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to concentrate on delivering practical support and assistance to affected citizens rather than highlighting ceremonial aspects of the government’s response.
According to him, while the evacuation of Ghanaians from crisis situations is important and commendable, it is not an unprecedented achievement, as Ghana has a longstanding record of successfully protecting and repatriating its citizens during emergencies abroad.
Mr. Jinapor stressed that the real measure of success lies in ensuring the safety, welfare, and recovery of Ghanaians impacted by the attacks, noting that affected individuals and their families are more concerned about effective intervention than public relations campaigns.
He further called for intensified efforts to provide relief and protection for citizens still facing threats in South Africa, adding that government must remain focused on the substantive issues at hand.
The remarks follow the recent return of nearly 300 Ghanaians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The attacks have sparked concern across the continent, prompting several African governments to take steps to safeguard their citizens living in the country.
The Minority maintains that Ghana’s response should be judged by the level of support offered to affected citizens rather than the publicity surrounding the evacuation exercise.
