Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for calm among Ghanaians in the face of the xenophobic attacks ongoing in South Africa.
He says South African Authorities are handling the matter and investigating the situation; therefore, there should be no reprisal attacks.
“I will urge calm, we should rather be mature, rise above it and show them the way. We should avoid any reprisal attacks, going after South African businesses in Ghana.
“We have the assurances from the South African authorities that they are investigating the matter, they have invited some of the people for an interview. So far, they are handling the matter quite well.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, vehemently condemned the xenophobic attacks that are happening in South Africa.
He made the point that the South Africans who are carrying out these attacks must be taught some history that the freedom they are enjoying at the moment was procured through the support of other African countries.
“The Africans you are attacking today are the very people who fought for your liberation,” he said.
Earlier, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a meeting with the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba called on South African authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals.
The Minister summoned the High Commissioner on Thursday, April 23, 2026 to formally express concerns regarding the reported acts of intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians as captured in widely circulated viral videos.
The Minister further urged swift intervention to de-escalate tensions and demanded firm assurances that such incidents will not be repeated.
“The Government of Ghana accordingly registered a formal protest and called for immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection and safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, swift intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent further escalation and firm assurances that such incidents will not recur,” portions of a statement released by the Ministry stated.
The Minister while raising concerns over the escalating tensions in South Africa emphasised the deep historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and South Africa.
He recalled Ghana’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle and the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as the sacrifices made in the pursuit of South Africa’s liberation.
Mr. Ablakwa described the “unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity.”
He stressed that Africans must not engage in actions that undermine peaceful coexistence across the continent.
According to the Minister, while no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current situation, past incidents of a similar nature have led to loss of lives and destruction of property, making it critical to prevent any recurrence.
He advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain indoors for their safety.
On his part, the Acting High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that the Government of South Africa is seized with the matter and is taking steps to restore calm.
He added that law enforcement authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent violence and hold individuals involved in the incidents accountable for their actions..
The Ministry assured the general public of its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals and will continue to engage the appropriate authorities to ensure their safety and protection.
Source:3news.com
