Africa Erupts: Urgent Calls for Action as Xenophobic Attacks Against Ghanaians Grip South Africa

The Ghana-South Africa Business Chamber, along with prominent Ghanaian political figures, has vehemently condemned recent xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa. These incidents, described as deeply troubling and inconsistent with the foundational principles of African unity and solidarity, have generated widespread anxiety, anger, and distress among Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

The Chamber noted with profound concern and disappointment the reports and disturbing images depicting acts of violence, intimidation, and assaults against foreign nationals, including members of the Ghanaian community. It highlighted the understandable concerns from citizens, community groups, and affected families, given the decades-long friendship, solidarity, and shared history between Ghana and South Africa. The Chamber unequivocally condemned these acts of violence and outright disrespect for human rights, expressing support for affected Ghanaians. It commended the Government of Ghana's proactive engagement with South African authorities through diplomatic channels, urging these discussions to continue with utmost urgency and seriousness. Furthermore, the Chamber engaged the South African High Commission in Ghana, calling on the mission to ensure the South African government takes all necessary measures to protect vulnerable communities and foreign nationals, and to bring perpetrators to justice.

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, strongly echoed this condemnation before the Pan African Parliament, characterizing the situation as a dangerous threat to African unity and human dignity. He cited incidents in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as evidence of the "gradual normalization of organised hostility" against foreign nationals, often disguised as "clean-up operations," "citizen enforcement," and "community protection." Mr. Dafeamekpor expressed alarm over reports of individuals stopping migrants, demanding identity documents, intimidating traders, and forcing foreign-owned businesses to close. He stressed that such conduct is unlawful and profoundly unAfrican, asserting that no private citizen or mob has the legal or constitutional authority to enforce immigration laws or determine who belongs on the African continent.

Mr. Dafeamekpor further warned that this xenophobic violence risks eroding South Africa’s international standing as a champion of human rights and justice. While acknowledging South Africa’s historic role in defending oppressed peoples and its recent advocacy on global humanitarian issues, such as the conflict in Gaza, he argued that tolerating violence against fellow Africans within its borders creates a troubling contradiction. He asserted that a nation cannot credibly condemn dehumanization abroad while tolerating it at home, drawing a parallel between the struggle for Palestinian dignity and the struggle for African dignity. Dafeamekpor emphasized that human rights cannot be defended selectively, and justice loses credibility when compassion stops at the border, ultimately undermining the spirit of unity essential for the Pan African Parliament and the African Union.

In the Ghanaian Parliament, Nana Asafo-Adjei, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, called for a diplomatic and tactful approach by the government in addressing the plight of Ghanaians in South Africa. He highlighted that approximately 49,000 Ghanaians continue to live and work in the country despite the recent attacks and evacuations, making their safety and welfare a paramount concern. While commending initial evacuation efforts, the legislator urged continuous engagement with South African authorities to prevent future attacks and ensure the security of Ghanaians who remain. He also called upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional bodies to intensify diplomatic engagements to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of affected individuals, stressing that Ghana's response must be guided by diplomacy, cooperation, and the long-standing relations between the two nations.

Both the Ghana-South Africa Business Chamber and Ghanaian officials reiterated the conviction that xenophobia has no place on the African continent. The Chamber appealed for calm and restraint, strongly discouraging retaliatory actions or inflammatory rhetoric that could further strain relations between Ghana and South Africa, advocating instead for constructive engagement, respect for the rule of law, and continued diplomatic dialogue. It urged all Africans to uphold the values of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing that the continent's future depends on greater cooperation, integration, and mutual respect. The Chamber expressed solidarity with all victims, extending sympathies to affected families, businesses, and communities, and called upon all Africans to reject division and embrace unity, dignity, and mutual respect as one people and one continent.