Ghana has summoned South Africa's top envoy to the country over reported 'acts of intimidation and harassment' against its citizens and other African migrants in the southern African nation. Earlier this week, video clips were shared online showing vigilante groups attacking and confronting people they believed were in South Africa illegally; in one instance, a Ghanaian man was challenged over his immigration status.
Xenophobia has been an ongoing issue in South Africa, accompanied by sporadic instances of violence. In response to the rising concerns, Ghanaian officials have reached out to the individual seen in the video to provide support while advising citizens living abroad to remain 'law-abiding'. The Ghanaian foreign affairs ministry raised a formal protest regarding the recent 'xenophobic incidents' with South Africa's acting high commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba.
One notable incident involved a group of South Africans demanding a Ghanaian man's documents and questioning their authenticity, even after he complied. According to Ghana's foreign affairs ministry, the man possesses legal status in South Africa. The ministry condemned such actions, stating they undermine the dignity and rights of citizens.
On Thursday, Ghana's High Commission in South Africa reported on a meeting between top diplomat Benjamin Quashie and the Ghanaian man involved, emphasizing the importance of respecting laws, 'The situation is dire, we understand, [but] let's continue being law-abiding [and] respect the rules... of engagement as migrant citizens in this country,' Quashie remarked.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also contacted his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, who expressed commitment to a full investigation into the incidents and showed sympathy for the victims. South Africa's acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned these acts, emphasizing that no one has the authority to break the law in this manner.
South Africa hosts roughly 2.4 million migrants, comprising less than 4% of its total population. The majority hail from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, while a smaller population includes Nigerian nationals. Vigilante groups like Operation Dudula argue that migrants exacerbate local issues such as unemployment and crime, leading to demonstrations that sometimes escalate into violence against foreign-owned businesses.
Xenophobia has been an ongoing issue in South Africa, accompanied by sporadic instances of violence. In response to the rising concerns, Ghanaian officials have reached out to the individual seen in the video to provide support while advising citizens living abroad to remain 'law-abiding'. The Ghanaian foreign affairs ministry raised a formal protest regarding the recent 'xenophobic incidents' with South Africa's acting high commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba.
One notable incident involved a group of South Africans demanding a Ghanaian man's documents and questioning their authenticity, even after he complied. According to Ghana's foreign affairs ministry, the man possesses legal status in South Africa. The ministry condemned such actions, stating they undermine the dignity and rights of citizens.
On Thursday, Ghana's High Commission in South Africa reported on a meeting between top diplomat Benjamin Quashie and the Ghanaian man involved, emphasizing the importance of respecting laws, 'The situation is dire, we understand, [but] let's continue being law-abiding [and] respect the rules... of engagement as migrant citizens in this country,' Quashie remarked.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also contacted his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, who expressed commitment to a full investigation into the incidents and showed sympathy for the victims. South Africa's acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned these acts, emphasizing that no one has the authority to break the law in this manner.
South Africa hosts roughly 2.4 million migrants, comprising less than 4% of its total population. The majority hail from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, while a smaller population includes Nigerian nationals. Vigilante groups like Operation Dudula argue that migrants exacerbate local issues such as unemployment and crime, leading to demonstrations that sometimes escalate into violence against foreign-owned businesses.
