Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other West African nationals in South Africa, describing them as deeply regrettable and a betrayal of African unity.
Speaking at the Ghana-Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation in Accra, he said the incidents undermine the principles of Pan-Africanism and regional cooperation that have long guided the continent.
Ablakwa noted that while West African nations continue to demonstrate collaboration and shared progress, such attacks contradict the vision of unity championed by Africa’s founding leaders.
He disclosed that Ghana has engaged South African authorities at the highest levels, including discussions with officials from the South African High Commission in Accra and a direct conversation with his counterpart. According to him, the South African government has expressed regret and assured Ghana that investigations are underway, along with measures to address the violence.
He also referenced plans by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation and call for respect for the rights and dignity of all residents.
The Minister stressed that the attacks are particularly troubling given Africa’s shared history, highlighting Ghana’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, including providing refuge, scholarships, and assistance to freedom fighters and the African National Congress.
He recalled that Nelson Mandela acknowledged Ghana’s contribution in his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, and noted that Ghana’s independence in 1957 inspired the broader liberation movement.
Describing the incidents as baseless xenophobia and “naked hatred,” Ablakwa called on African leaders to stand united against such divisions and reaffirm their commitment to continental solidarity.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals within its borders. He also assured that Ghana would not tolerate retaliatory actions against South Africans living in the country, emphasizing its longstanding reputation for peace and hospitality.
The Minister expressed hope that the current situation will be the last of such incidents, urging renewed dedication to unity, cooperation, and the shared future of Africa.
Also speaking on the issue, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali, condemned the attacks and called on the South African government to address them in line with international humanitarian standards.
Source: gbcghanaonline
