The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Ghana and Sierra Leone have jointly condemned recent xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African migrants in South Africa.
The incidents, which have gone viral on social media and sparked widespread concern across the continent, were strongly denounced during a high-level ministerial meeting held in Accra on April 23.
The condemnation came as both countries inaugurated a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, tourism, and aviation. The two nations also signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and one additional agreement.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, told the joint committee that Ghanaian authorities have already engaged their South African counterparts, who have assured that the matter will receive urgent attention.
He expressed deep concern over the attacks, describing them as particularly painful given the longstanding relationship, cooperation, and mutual support between Ghana and South Africa.
Despite the disappointment, Mr Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation, noting that South African authorities are taking steps to address the situation.
Also speaking at the meeting, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Frances Apiagie Alghali, condemned the attacks and called for stronger continental collaboration to address such incidents.
She stressed the need for African countries to work together to prevent xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of migrants across the continent.
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