Ghana has summoned South Africa’s top diplomat in Accra following a series of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. The move comes after videos circulated online showing vigilante groups confronting migrants they accused of being in the country illegally.
What Sparked the Diplomatic Protest
One widely shared video shows a Ghanaian man being surrounded by a group demanding to see his documents. Even after he produced them, the group questioned their authenticity and told him to “fix your country.” Ghana’s foreign affairs ministry confirmed the man is legally resident in South Africa.
Accra described the incidents as “acts of intimidation and harassment” and lodged a formal protest with South Africa’s acting high commissioner, Thando Dalamba.
Ghana’s Response
Ghanaian officials have:
- Met the victim to offer support
- Urged Ghanaians abroad to remain law‑abiding
- Shared footage of High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie reassuring the man and calling for calm
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also spoke with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, who promised a full investigation and expressed sympathy for the victims.
South Africa Condemns Vigilante Actions
South Africa’s acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia condemned the attacks, stressing that no group has the authority to enforce immigration laws. Xenophobic tensions have long plagued South Africa, with periodic outbreaks of violence targeting migrants from across the continent.
The Bigger Picture
South Africa hosts an estimated 2.4 million migrants, though the real number is believed to be higher. Most come from neighbouring countries such as:
- Zimbabwe
- Mozambique
- Lesotho
- Nigeria A smaller but significant number come from West Africa, including Ghana.
Anti‑immigrant groups have grown more vocal in recent years, accusing foreigners of taking jobs and straining public services — claims widely disputed by researchers.
Outlook
The latest incidents risk straining relations between two major African nations. Ghana insists its citizens must be protected, while South Africa faces renewed scrutiny over its struggle to curb xenophobic vigilantism.