The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has described the continued xenophobic attacks in South Africa as a betrayal of the African continent, saying the country has “stabbed Africa in the back” despite the support it received during the apartheid era.
Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show, the MP expressed concern over the recurring attacks on foreign nationals, arguing that the situation has persisted for too long without decisive action from South African authorities.
“This is becoming one too many and has gone on for long. South Africa has stabbed the rest of Africa in the back because there was a time they went through difficult moments under apartheid,” he said.
According to him, countries across Africa, including Ghana and Nigeria, stood firmly with South Africa during its struggle against racial oppression.
“During the time of Kwame Nkrumah and our forefathers, Africans supported South Africa. We stood by them,” he noted.
Mr. Awuku stressed that national development cannot rely solely on citizens, pointing out that many South African companies operate freely in Ghana and other African countries.
“National development doesn’t take only indigenes. It requires foreigners too. When you come to Ghana, we have many South African companies here,” he said.
He questioned why xenophobic violence continues to resurface in South Africa almost every year despite repeated assurances of action from authorities.
“We are in Ghana and we are seeing videos of these xenophobic attacks, so how can the South African government claim not to know what is happening?” he asked.
The MP also criticised the response of South African authorities, arguing that the country’s strong media and security systems should make such incidents easier to control.
“They have radio and television stations to inform, educate and entertain. So if South Africa, with all its security architecture, cannot deal with this, then it is worrying,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku suggested that if South Africa no longer wants foreign nationals, authorities should openly declare it.
“If it is now an orientation that they don’t want foreigners in their country, then they should make it clear and close their borders so people won’t even attempt to go there to do business,” he said.
However, he warned that such actions could trigger retaliatory measures across the continent.
“When that happens, they should know there will be reprisals because they cannot eat their cake and have it. They cannot ignore international laws and expect others to accept it,” he added.
The Akuapem North MP also shared a personal example, revealing that his uncle has worked as a medical doctor in South Africa for more than a decade and has built a family there.
“My uncle has practiced medicine there for over 10 years, married and has South African children. So because he is a foreigner who has saved lives, he still won’t be considered part of them?” he questioned.
Mr. Awuku further called on regional and continental bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to take a stronger stance on the attacks.
“ECOWAS, the AU and other regional blocs must speak truth to power,” he said.
He warned that while some governments may consider evacuating their citizens for safety reasons, many affected persons could lose their livelihoods and properties in the process.
“People may be evacuated for safety, but they cannot move with their businesses and properties. Many of them will lose their livelihoods,” he lamented.
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