The Ministry of International Affairs of Ghana has summoned South Africa’s Appearing Excessive Commissioner in Accra over current xenophobic incidents concentrating on overseas nationals, together with Ghanaians.
In a press launch dated April 23, 2026, the ministry stated the Appearing Excessive Commissioner, Mr Thando Dalamba, was invited by the Minister for International Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to handle issues over reported assaults in South Africa.
The ministry said that the summons was to “formally categorical robust concern relating to reported acts of intimidation and harassment towards overseas nationals, together with Ghanaians as captured in broadly circulated viral movies.”
It cited a selected incident in KwaZulu-Natal Province the place a Ghanaian nationwide “was confronted and requested to supply proof of his authorized standing and additional instructed to go away South Africa and ‘repair his nation.’” The minister famous that such behaviour “undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding people.”
In response to the assertion, follow-up stories point out rising tensions, with some overseas nationals, together with Ghanaians, being suggested to stay indoors for security. Whereas no deaths or accidents have been recorded within the newest case, the minister warned that comparable previous incidents “had resulted in lack of lives and property” and burdened the necessity to forestall a recurrence.
Ablakwa additionally highlighted the longstanding ties between Ghana and South Africa, recalling Ghana’s help for the anti-apartheid battle and contributions of Dr Kwame Nkrumah to South Africa’s liberation.
He emphasised that “the unprovoked harassment and assaults on law-abiding people are opposite to the rules of African solidarity and unity,” including that Africans should not interact in actions that threaten peaceable coexistence.
The federal government confirmed it had lodged a proper protest and known as for “instant and efficient measures to make sure the safety and security of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa,” alongside swift intervention by authorities and agency assurances that such incidents won’t recur.
In response, the Appearing Excessive Commissioner acknowledged the issues and stated the South African authorities “is seized with the matter and is taking steps to revive calm as regulation enforcement authorities are monitoring the state of affairs intently to stop violence and maintain people concerned within the incidents accountable for his or her actions.”
The ministry reiterated its dedication to defending Ghanaian residents, stating it “will proceed to have interaction the suitable authorities to make sure their security and safety.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Times Nigeria