Emmanuel Mensah
Ghana has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the violence as unacceptable and deeply regrettable.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said it was troubling that such acts of hatred were taking place at a time when African nations had secured a major diplomatic victory at the United Nations.
“It is deeply regrettable that at a time when we have secured such a significant victory at the United Nations, we are still witnessing acts of hatred and xenophobia against one another,” he said.
Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, stressing that Africa’s true potential can only be achieved through unity. He referenced Ghana’s founding president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who championed the vision of a united continent.
According to the minister, the recent United Nations decision, supported by 123 countries, sent a clear global message condemning the transatlantic enslavement of Africans. He said it was disappointing that Africans were now turning against each other through xenophobic violence.
The Ghanaian government has pledged to protect its citizens living in South Africa and to engage authorities there to ensure their safety.
“We will do everything as a government to protect our nationals and to make sure that we demand from the South African government to protect our citizens and to keep them safe,” Ablakwa stated.
He also assured South Africans living in Ghana of their safety, saying the country would not tolerate any retaliatory attacks.
Ablakwa praised Ghanaians as peaceful, welcoming and hospitable people, adding that Ghana would continue to reject reprisals and promote peace.
The minister expressed hope that the latest incidents would be the last xenophobic attacks witnessed in South Africa.
The comments come amid renewed concern over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have targeted African migrants and businesses.
