By James Amoh Junior — [email protected]
Accra, April 23, GNA – Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks against West Africans, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.
He described the development as “regrettable, condemnable and a betrayal of African solidarity.”
The Minister said the attacks, which have targeted law-abiding African nationals, undermined the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the shared historical struggle that united the continent against colonialism and apartheid.
Mr Ablakwa made the remarks in Accra during the inauguration of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and Sierra Leone, where bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister said: “Particularly West Africans have come under another round of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and this time, Ghanaians have been targeted,” he said.
He added that Ghana had engaged South African authorities at the highest levels to demand urgent action.
Xenophobic tensions in South Africa dates back several years, with periodic outbreaks of violence often linked to economic frustrations, unemployment and competition for limited resources.
Foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries, have frequently been targeted in these incidents, leading to deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
The latest wave of attacks has sparked widespread concern across the continent, with governments and regional bodies calling for decisive action to protect migrants and uphold human rights.
Mr Ablakwa said he had held discussions with the South African High Commission in Accra and also engaged his South African counterpart, who had expressed regret and assured Ghana of investigations into the incidents.
The Minister added that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had also pledged to address the situation and urged citizens to respect the rights and dignity of all Africans living in the country.
Despite these assurances, Mr Ablakwa stressed that the attacks were deeply troubling, especially given Africa’s shared history and the sacrifices made by other African countries, including Ghana, in the struggle against apartheid.
He recalled Ghana’s role in supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle, including hosting freedom fighters, providing scholarships, and offering diplomatic and financial assistance to the African National Congress (ANC).
“It is such a betrayal to see that we will be described as unwelcome… citizens who are going about their lawful duties subjected to such naked hatred and baseless xenophobia,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that African unity must remain paramount and urged leaders across the continent to speak out against xenophobia and protect the rights of all Africans, regardless of nationality.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals within its borders, including South Africans, and cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks.
“We will not encourage any reprisal attack… Ghanaians are very welcoming, very hospitable, very peace-loving people,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa expressed hope that the latest incidents would be the last of such attacks, calling for sustained efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence and African integration.
He highlighted the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the colonial era and emphasised that such cooperation exemplified the true spirit of African unity, which must be preserved and strengthened in the face of divisive tendencies such as xenophobia.
Mr Ablakwa stressed that Africa’s future depended on unity and collective progress, not division.
“We remain united in our common struggles and our common destiny… our solidarity is unshaken and unbreakable,” he said.
The Minister urged all African countries to deepen cooperation and reject xenophobia in all its forms, describing unity as the key to unlocking the continent’s full potential.
Mrs Francess Piagie Alghali, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who echoed the condemnation, denounced the attacks and called for adherence to humanitarian principles and African unity.
“I join you in condemning the recent xenophobic attacks on West Africans in South Africa and urge that the South African government address this matter within the framework of humanitarian law and African solidarity,” she said.
The PJCC witnessed the signing of six memoranda of understanding and one agreement, with both countries pledging to ensure effective implementation to deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.
GNA
Edited b George-Ramsey Benamba
April 23. 2026