Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, stressing that such acts threaten the long-standing ties and mutual respect shared between African countries.
Speaking amid growing concerns over attacks on African migrants and businesses in parts of South Africa, Ablakwa called for calm and urged South African authorities to take decisive action to protect all residents, regardless of their nationality.
The Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted the close relationship between Ghana and South Africa, noting that Ghana continues to welcome thousands of South African visitors each year. According to him, more than 11,000 South African tourists visited Ghana in 2025, reflecting the strong people-to-people connections and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana has consistently maintained an open and welcoming environment for visitors from across Africa and beyond. He said the country’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and regional integration remains unwavering, adding that Africans must continue to promote unity rather than division.
“The spirit of African solidarity requires us to reject xenophobia in all its forms. Our continent’s progress depends on cooperation, mutual respect, and the free movement of people,” he stated.
The Minister’s comments come as the Ghanaian government continues to monitor the situation involving Ghanaians living in South Africa. Authorities have been engaging their South African counterparts to ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens affected by the recent unrest.
Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and assured citizens that diplomatic channels remain active to address any concerns arising from the attacks.
He further appealed to African leaders and citizens to uphold the ideals of unity championed by the continent’s founding fathers, warning that xenophobic violence undermines economic growth, regional cooperation, and Africa’s collective development agenda.
The recent attacks have sparked condemnation from several governments, civil society groups, and international organizations, all of whom have called for stronger measures to combat xenophobia and protect vulnerable communities across the continent.
