The Minority in Parliament has called for urgent and decisive action from both Accra and Pretoria following a wave of attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (29 April), the Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee said it was “gravely concerned” about what it described as a troubling pattern of organised violence in areas including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The caucus said Ghanaian-owned businesses had been targeted, while individuals had been harassed and assaulted, with some reportedly denied access to essential services.
“These actions are being justified by claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship,” the statement said. “Those claims are unfounded and must be rejected without hesitation.”
The group cited the widely circulated assault on a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as underscoring the severity of the situation, and raised concerns over reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement without effective intervention.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has engaged South African authorities and provided consular support to affected nationals, the Minority noted. It also acknowledged public condemnation of the attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
However, it said these steps must be followed by “clear and measurable action”.
The caucus called on South African authorities to ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of perpetrators and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It also urged immediate measures to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals.
On the Ghanaian side, the Minority is pushing for stronger diplomatic engagement, including direct talks between President John Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on protection and enforcement.
It further urged the government to scale up consular support for Ghanaians in affected areas and to escalate the issue to the African Union for an inquiry into recurring xenophobic violence.
The statement also called for a coordinated response within ECOWAS and suggested that Ghana should press for compensation for victims who have suffered losses.
“To Ghanaians affected… your safety is of paramount importance,” the caucus said, urging citizens in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with Ghana’s High Commission.
The Minority pledged to continue pressing for a response that reflects “the seriousness of the situation and the dignity of our people.”
Source: asaaseradio.com
