Ghana’s ministry of foreign affairs says it has summoned Thando Dalamba, South African acting high commissioner in the country, over recent xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.
In a statement on Thursday, Samuel Ablakwa, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister, said the summons was to formally express the country’s “strong concern” over reported intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.
The tensions reportedly began after groups of South Africans staged anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country, with viral videos showing demonstrators calling for the removal of foreign nationals from local communities.
In some of the videos, protesters accused migrants of taking jobs and straining services, chanting “We don’t want Africans here.”
Ablakwa said such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding residents, adding that Ghana is particularly concerned about reports advising foreign nationals to remain indoors for safety.
The minister cited an incident in KwaZulu-Natal province where a Ghanaian resident was allegedly confronted and asked to prove his legal status, with some individuals reportedly telling him to leave South Africa.
He noted that similar episodes in the past had escalated into violence and loss of lives, stressing the need for urgent action to prevent a recurrence.
He also emphasised the longstanding ties between both countries, including Ghana’s role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle under the late Kwame Nkrumah, saying the current situation runs contrary to African unity and solidarity.
He called for immediate steps to ensure the protection of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa and assurances that such incidents will not happen again.
“The unprovoked harassment of law-abiding individuals is unacceptable,” the statement reads.
“The Government of Ghana accordingly registers a formal protest and call 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.”
In response, Dalamba said the South African government is aware of the situation and taking steps to restore calm.
He added that security agencies are also monitoring developments and working to hold those involved accountable.
The Ghanaian foreign ministry said it would continue to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.
