Ghana summoned South Africa’s envoy on Thursday, April 23, following a series of xenophobic incidents targeting Ghanaian nationals in South Africa. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned the acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to his office in Accra.
The move came after a viral video showed a legal Ghanaian resident in KwaZulu-Natal facing harassment. In the video, officials confronted the man and told him to leave South Africa and “fix his country.”
During the meeting, Minister Ablakwa stated, “We are urging South African authorities to take decisive action in protecting the human rights and dignity of our nationals and all Africans.” He also stressed that such actions violate the principles of African solidarity. He further recalled Ghana’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Meanwhile the Ghanaian government warned of “escalating tensions” and advised its citizens in South Africa to remain indoors for their safety.
In response, South African authorities promised a crackdown on Friday. South Africa’s Police Ministry stated that authorities would identify, apprehend, and prosecute anyone participating in or inciting xenophobic acts.
Furthermore, South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, told a meeting of government officials that such violence threatens the nation’s constitutional order.
