The Minister for Foreign Affairs – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa in Ghana – Mr. Thando Dalamba was summoned on 23rd April, 2026 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to give reasons over the recent xenophobic incidents on Ghanaians nationals particularly in the Republic of South Africa. Also, the objective of this summons was for the Minister to formally expressed concerns regarding the reported acts of intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals including Ghanaians as it was captured widely circulated viral videos.
During this meeting, the Honorable Minister – Okudzeto referenced an incident in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, where a Ghanaian national was seen confronted and asked to provide proof of his legal status and was further instructed to leave South Africa and go “fix his country”. Samuel noted that such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding individuals and also conveyed to the High Commissioner that the Government of Ghana strongly condemns these attacks on Ghanaians and any other African living in South Africa. As such, he should do well to inform his government to caution his nationals to put a stop to these brutish acts, and reminded him of the longstanding historical and fraternal relationship Ghana had with South Africa years ago, recalling the support Ghana gave to South Africa during the anti-aparthied struggle and the contributions Ghana’s first President – Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah even made for them, as well as the sacrifices made in pursuit of South Africa’s liberation.
The Minister emphasized that even though the follow-up reports had indicated that the escalating tensions with foreign nationals including Ghanaians who were advised to remain indoors for their safety did not record fatalities and injuries, the High Commissioner – Mr. Thando must ensure that the promised investigation into the attacks should be expedited and all perpetrators must be punished to serve adequate deterrence. Highlighting these, he mentioned that the attacks are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity; considering the fact that significant victory was even won at the United Nations by Ghana and many other African countries who believe in Pan-Africanism and Global South who came together with 123 countries to send a clear message that they are really against the Transatlantic enslavement of forefathers.
Therefore, “it is regrettable that in this modern era, such hatred, such xenophobia will still be seen or heard against one another or against Africans. This is totally unacceptable, it is condemnable and that Africans MUST STOP engaging in conducts that undermines the peaceful coexistence on the continent”, said Ablakwa.
The Acting High Commissioner on the other hand listening to these, acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that, the Government of South Africa is seized with the matter and is also taking steps to restore calm as law enforcement authorities are also monitoring the situation closely to prevent violence and hold individuals involved accountable for their actions.
Finally, the Foreign Minister – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured the public that Government of Ghana will do everything possible to protect its nationals and will demand the South African Government to protect Ghanaian citizens and keep them safe. This is because they owe them that duty of care just as Ghana will also continue to ensure that all South Africans living in Ghana are as well safe and protected from any attack.