The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the ongoing xenophobic hostilities in South Africa, while urging Ghanaians to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions against South African businesses operating in Ghana.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission, Mr. Thando Dalamba, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, to formally register Ghana’s displeasure over viral reports of intimidation and harassment targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.
Despite the rising tensions and disturbing videos circulating online showing alleged attacks by vigilante groups, Mr. Ablakwa cautioned Ghanaians against taking matters into their own hands.
“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,” he stated.
The Minister emphasised that a measured and diplomatic response is essential to maintaining continental stability and preserving long-standing relations between the two countries.
He disclosed that government has received high-level security briefings indicating that the situation is being addressed by South African authorities.
“We have the assurances from the South African authorities that they are investigating the matter and have invited some of the individuals for questioning. So far, they are handling the situation quite well,” he said in an interview on TV3 on Saturday, April 25.
Mr. Ablakwa also reminded perpetrators of the attacks of the deep historical ties between Ghana and South Africa, criticising what he described as a lack of historical awareness.
He highlighted the role of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that South Africa’s liberation was achieved through collective African solidarity.
“The Africans you are attacking today are the very people who fought for your liberation,” he remarked, describing the attacks as “contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity.”
The Ministry’s formal protest called for immediate and decisive action from the South African government to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals.
In a statement, the Ministry said:
“The Government of Ghana has registered a formal protest and called for immediate and effective measures to guarantee the protection and safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, swift intervention to prevent further escalation, and firm assurances that such incidents will not recur.”
Although no Ghanaian fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current unrest, the Minister warned that past incidents involving loss of lives and destruction of property make proactive intervention necessary.
He has therefore advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain indoors until the security situation improves.
Meanwhile, the Acting South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba, acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that authorities are taking the matter seriously.
He noted that the South African government is actively monitoring developments and that law enforcement agencies are working to identify and prosecute those responsible while restoring calm.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, pledging to sustain high-level diplomatic engagements until the safety of its citizens is fully guaranteed.
