Ghana Protests Xenophobic Incidents, Summons South African Diplomat Over Treatment of Citizens

ACCRA — Ghana has formally raised concerns with South Africa by summoning its acting high commissioner over a series of alleged xenophobic incidents involving Ghanaian nationals living in the country.

The diplomatic move follows reports circulating online showing Ghanaian residents being harassed, prompting concern from authorities in Accra.

In a statement released Thursday night, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa cited a specific case in KwaZulu-Natal where a legally resident Ghanaian was confronted and told to return to his home country.

“A legal resident was confronted… (and) instructed to leave South Africa and ‘fix his country,’” Ablakwa stated, according to the ministry.

The ministry further raised alarm over what it described as “escalating tensions, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being advised to remain indoors for their safety.”

During discussions with South Africa’s acting high commissioner Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s long-standing solidarity with South Africa, referencing its support during the anti-apartheid struggle.

He also condemned the reported incidents, stating that “the unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity.”

South Africa remains Africa’s most industrialised economy and a major destination for migrants from across the continent, both documented and undocumented.

However, the country’s unemployment rate—estimated at over 30 percent—has been linked to periodic xenophobic unrest, protests, and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Official data from 2022 indicates that around 2.4 million foreign-born people live in South Africa, representing roughly four percent of its population.

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