Ghanaian data analyst Samuel Kwame Adomako has urged the government and private sector leaders to take deliberate steps to strengthen local businesses and create more jobs in Ghana, in response to renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in parts of South Africa.
Speaking on Nhyria FM’s “Kukurantumi” show, Mr. Adomako argued that economic vulnerability is a major factor driving Ghanaians to seek livelihoods abroad, often in precarious conditions.
“The truth is, when people don’t see opportunities at home, they will migrate. And when they migrate into economies facing social tension, it creates friction,” he told host Barima Kofi Dawson-Akokoa.
He expressed concern over what he described as the failure of successive governments to nurture homegrown millionaires and billionaires, arguing that political interference and the targeting of businesses belonging to opponents have weakened economic growth.
Data presented shows that no Ghanaian has ever appeared on Forbes’ official list of African billionaires.
“It is concerning that Forbes’ official list of African billionaires includes no Ghanaian. The list is dominated by citizens of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, and Tanzania. Our governments have focused on targeting opponents’ businesses, which only impoverishes our own people. We must be deliberate in promoting local enterprises, supporting SMEs, and creating jobs in Ghana so that our young people have viable opportunities here,” he added.
Condemning the attacks, Mr. Adomako referenced South Africa’s first president, Nelson Mandela, noting his legacy of peace, unity, and African solidarity. He said the current violence against foreign nationals stands in stark contrast to Mandela’s ideals.
He therefore called on South Africans to desist from such attacks, noting that many South Africans also live and work across the continent and would not want to face similar treatment elsewhere.
“Africa’s strength lies in cooperation and mutual respect,” he said. “We cannot build a continent where people are afraid to live, trade, and move freely because of where they come from.”
He also disagreed with comments by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who questioned the timing and approach of Ghana’s response to recent tensions involving Ghanaian nationals in South Africa.
According to Mr. Malema, Ghana’s reaction was “not necessary at that moment” and risked escalating an already sensitive situation.
However, Mr. Adomako said the Government of Ghana acted appropriately, given that security agencies in South Africa appeared unresponsive while Ghanaian citizens and other Africans were being attacked.
“I am very disappointed in Malema’s comment,” he said. “Our citizens are suffering beatings and harassment from some South Africans while the police and security agencies appear unconcerned. Yet he expects our government to leave our citizens there and rely solely on diplomatic channels to resolve the situation.”
We must build bridges to the future, not the past –…
NPP members oppose resumption of Asante Mampong polling station elections
