South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, has assured that migration-related concerns between Ghana and South Africa will not affect the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
His comments follow his recent visit to Ghana as a special envoy for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which he delivered a message to President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Lamola said both countries have agreed that challenges surrounding migration should be addressed without undermining their strong diplomatic ties, which have been built over years of cooperation and friendship.
“There was an agreement between ourselves and Ghana that the current migration-related challenges will not stand in the way of South Africa-Ghana bilateral relations. It does not impact the Ghana-South Africa bilateral relations because South Africa and Ghana have got long enduring challenges, good friendship and relations,” he said.
According to him, Ghana’s concerns provided an opportunity for South Africa to explain its position on migration and the enforcement of immigration laws.
Mr Lamola acknowledged that countries have the right to regulate migration within their borders but stressed that such measures must be implemented in a lawful and humane manner.
“All countries have got the right to enforce immigration laws; it is within the sovereignty of every state. But immigration must be regular, orderly and in line with the protocols of the African Union and our own SADC. It should not be disorderly immigration,” he stated.
The South African Foreign Minister also addressed concerns over reports of mistreatment of migrants, warning that migration challenges should not encourage individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands.
He condemned acts of vigilantism and assured that the South African government does not support any unlawful treatment of migrants.
Mr Lamola further stated that South African authorities remain committed to ensuring that anyone found responsible for attacks or abuses against migrants faces the appropriate legal action.
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