Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has assured Ghanaians affected by recent tensions and attacks in parts of the country that the mission is taking urgent steps to support them.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Quarshie said consular teams had been deployed to areas where concerns had been raised to assess the situation and provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected residents.
“We got information yesterday about some group of people. My consular teams and others are on their way there. It’s about five hours from Pretoria to go and see the situation,” he said.
According to him, the mission is not only providing relief items but also engaging local authorities to ensure affected Ghanaians are protected and allowed to return to their businesses without fear.
“We are going to provide them with humanitarian aid and then lead them to the authorities in those localities so that they can be readmitted into doing their businesses,” he explained.
Mr. Quarshie said some affected persons had been unable to reopen their shops due to fear and uncertainty following the disturbances, but the mission is working closely with provincial authorities to ensure their safety.
“We will speak to the authorities in our province to ensure they treat Ghanaians right,” he stressed.
He disclosed that the team left at dawn to reach the affected areas and would first listen to the concerns of residents before determining the immediate support required.
“When we listen to their challenges, most of them are saying we should provide them with basic foodstuffs and things they can cook on their own,” he noted.
The High Commissioner added that those requiring medical attention would also receive support.
“Those who need medical care will be taken to the hospital, we will take care of them and bring them back if they want to return,” he said.
Mr. Quarshie, however, acknowledged the financial strain involved in such emergency interventions, revealing that the mission does not have dedicated funding for crisis response.
“It is very difficult for the mission to undertake these things because we don’t have any dedicated funds for it. But we continue to work because we are here to take care of the welfare of the Ghanaian people,” he stated.
His comments come amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following renewed reports of tensions in some communities.
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