Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, says diplomatic engagements are ongoing with South African authorities over challenges affecting Ghanaians, particularly issues related to permit renewals and the safety of foreign nationals.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he explained that many Ghanaians are not undocumented migrants, but face delays in the renewal of legal documents.
“Most of them have papers, but the issue is that when their permits or asylum documents expire, they go to the department responsible for renewals,” he said.
According to him, delays in processing applications have in some cases lasted for years, leading to wrongful classification of affected individuals as illegal immigrants.
“Some have submitted their documents for three years with no response, and others for four to five years. Because of this delay, they are being categorised as illegal immigrants, which is not the case,” he stated.
Mr. Quashie said the Ghana mission has raised the issue with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, arguing that the delays are contributing to tensions affecting Ghanaians.
“We told the Department of Home Affairs that these are the real problems. You cannot blame Ghanaian citizens for administrative delays beyond their control,” he explained.
He further revealed that discussions are ongoing for a possible special visa arrangement to ease the burden on affected Ghanaians.
“They said they are considering a special visa permit regime. Our visa-free arrangement is for 90 days, but that is not enough. We are pushing for longer permits so Ghanaians can live and work legally,” he said.
The High Commissioner noted that frequent changes in South Africa’s Home Affairs leadership have also affected policy consistency.
“Over the years, they have changed ministers several times, and each comes with new regulations. People applying under old systems sometimes suffer the consequences. They say they are trying to rectify it, so we are waiting,” he added.
Mr. Quashie stressed that governments have a responsibility to protect both citizens and foreign nationals living within their borders.
“Every country has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of both its citizens and immigrants,” he said.
He also noted that South African authorities have assured the Ghana mission of improved cooperation and have taken steps to address concerns raised.
“They have apologised to us and are trying to stop some of the demonstrations. We can confidently say there is a shift in approach,” he stated.
On security, he said the mission has instructed Ghanaians to report any incidents to local police and the embassy for immediate action.
“We have told them to report any challenges. If anything happens and it is not addressed, we will not take it lightly,” he warned.
He further disclosed that no Ghanaian has lost their life in the recent incidents, according to official records.
Mr. Quashie added that the mission has created communication platforms, including a WhatsApp network, to receive real-time updates from Ghanaian associations and individuals across South Africa.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in some parts of South Africa.
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