Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has raised concerns about Ghana’s handling of recent tensions involving its nationals in South Africa, saying the response risked heightening an already delicate situation.
His comments come in the wake of Ghana’s evacuation exercise, under which about 300 Ghanaian nationals have already been repatriated from South Africa following reported incidents of xenophobic attacks, intimidation, and rising insecurity affecting foreign communities.
The operation has been coordinated through Ghana’s diplomatic mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of efforts to safeguard citizens who opted to return home voluntarily.
Speaking to the press, Malema said Ghana’s reaction was not well timed and could unintentionally deepen divisions.
“The Ghana response was not necessary, and it now creates a perception that we are all like that,” he said, warning that such narratives could unfairly stigmatise communities and complicate ongoing efforts by authorities.
He stressed that diplomatic engagement would have been the better route, allowing South African institutions space to manage the situation internally.
“We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really enforces dialogue and diplomatic engagement. It actually creates a very bad, extreme situation,” he said.
Malema added that discussions were still ongoing with relevant stakeholders to stabilise the situation and protect affected foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.
“We are persuading government to still act on this, and we are saying they must give us time,” he stated.
He also emphasised that legally documented migrants should be able to seek protection from law enforcement without fear of further harm.
“Those that feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety, and they will be directed to rightful places where they will be secured,” he said.
Referencing accounts from affected individuals, including a Ghanaian woman who described alleged mistreatment and limited police response in some cases, Malema said the emotional toll of the situation was clear but urged restraint in diplomatic reactions.
“This is an emotional issue for many of them, and I understand that,” he noted.
WATCH | Julius Malema on migration issues says Ghana’s response was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”. He adds that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement. pic.twitter.com/O3zpPyxfzp
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 28, 2026
However, he insisted Ghana’s intervention should have been delayed to avoid escalating tensions.
“We think the reaction from the Ghana government should have been postponed a bit to give us the opportunity to deal with what is happening here in South Africa,” he added.
The debate continues alongside Ghana’s ongoing evacuation and reintegration programme for returnees, which includes reception support and plans for longer-term resettlement assistance for affected citizens.
