The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has issued a stern call for immediate and decisive action from both the Ghanaian and South African governments following a troubling pattern of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa. In a strongly worded statement, the Caucus expressed grave concern over the reports of violence, stressing that the safety of Ghanaians abroad is a fundamental responsibility of the State that must be addressed with urgency and seriousness.

Incidents have been reported in various parts of South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and Gauteng. These incidents reveal a disturbing and organized pattern of violence where Ghanaian-owned businesses have been specifically targeted, and individuals have been subjected to harassment and assault. Furthermore, victims have reportedly been denied access to essential services. The perpetrators often attempt to justify their actions by baselessly claiming that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship, accusations which the Minority Caucus unequivocally rejected as unfounded and requiring immediate dismissal.

The severity of the situation has been brought into sharp focus by specific incidents, such as the widely circulated assault on Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian national. Adding to the concern, the Caucus raised alarm over reports indicating that some of these attacks allegedly occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers who failed to intervene effectively, thereby raising serious questions about the enforcement of laws and accountability within South Africa.

While acknowledging initial steps taken, the Minority Caucus insisted on the need for stronger, measurable responses. They recognized the efforts of Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his engagement with South African authorities and the provision of consular assistance to affected Ghanaians. Similarly, the public condemnation of the attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was noted. However, the Caucus emphasized that while these are necessary first steps, they must be followed by clear and decisive action rather than mere statements.

The Minority Caucus outlined a series of specific demands for both governments. They urged South African authorities to ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, and to guarantee comprehensive protection for foreign nationals residing in the country. For Ghana, the Caucus called for a more robust and structured response, specifically demanding immediate presidential-level engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This direct engagement is sought to secure clear commitments on the protection of Ghanaians and effective enforcement against perpetrators. Additionally, they proposed deploying additional consular support to assist affected Ghanaians in South Africa.

Beyond bilateral actions, the Minority Caucus advocated for the escalation of this critical issue to the African Union, requesting an urgent inquiry into what they described as a recurring pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa. They asserted Ghana’s standing and obligation as a founding state of the OAU and a custodian of the Pan-African ideal to press this matter. The Caucus also urged the Ghanaian government to collaborate with ECOWAS partners to present a unified regional response to the ongoing crisis.

Looking ahead, the Minority called for concrete assurances from South Africa, which must include confirmed arrests, clear prosecutorial steps, and a practical protection plan for foreign nationals. They also suggested that serious consideration should be given to compensating those who have suffered losses as a result of these attacks. To Ghanaians currently in South Africa, the Caucus advised vigilance and maintaining contact with Ghana’s High Commission, reiterating that their safety is of paramount importance.

Finally, the Minority Caucus underscored the critical need to protect the fundamental principles of African unity and solidarity. They explained that the ties between African nations are built on mutual respect and shared responsibility, and that these principles must be upheld in practice, particularly during such challenging times. The Caucus maintained that Ghana must act with firmness and clarity to ensure the protection of its citizens abroad.