By James Amoh Junor
Accra, June 1, GNA – The Government of Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice following increasing xenophobic attacks against Africans by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes.
A travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday said the attacks had resulted in injuries, closure and takeover of businesses, looting and the destruction of property belonging to African nationals.
The advisory marks the strongest response yet by the Government of Ghana to the recent wave of anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa, which has already triggered diplomatic engagements between the two countries and the evacuation of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals.
“The Government of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the Ministry stated.
The Government said it had taken a number of measures in response to the situation, including lodging formal diplomatic protests, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union and facilitating the evacuation of affected Ghanaian nationals.
The latest advisory comes days after the first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived in Accra under a government-led repatriation exercise initiated by President John Dramani Mahama.
The evacuees, many of whom had expressed fears over their safety, were received at the Accra International Airport by senior government officials led by the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
During the reception, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that 26 Ghanaians who had been detained in South Africa over visa violations were released following diplomatic negotiations and evacuated together with the first batch of returnees.
The Government has indicated that additional batches of registered Ghanaian nationals are expected to be repatriated in the coming days as efforts continue to ensure the safety of citizens willing to return home.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry urged Ghanaians who remain in South Africa to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance and updates regarding the evolving situation.
It assured citizens that the Government would continue collaborating with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ghanaian nationals and provide the necessary support for those affected by the unrest.
The Ministry also called on the Government of South Africa to provide adequate protection for Africans living within its territory and to take decisive measures to restore law and order.
“In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of Ghana wishes to call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans in its territory and take measures to enforce law and order in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration,” the advisory stated.
Ghana formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, arguing that such attacks undermined African unity, solidarity and the principles of Pan-Africanism.
South Africa has maintained that it remains committed to protecting all residents within its borders and has rejected suggestions that the country condones xenophobia.
However, the recent incidents have generated widespread concern among African governments, with some countries reviewing measures to safeguard their nationals living and working in South Africa.
The Government of Ghana reiterated its commitment to prioritising the welfare and safety of Ghanaian nationals both at home and abroad and pledged to continue monitoring developments closely.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba