SA Attacks: NPP damns gov't, Foreign Minister

The NPP has described as meek government's response to the xenophobic attacks being meted to Africans in South Africa.

Over ten Africans have so far been killed in horrific circumstances by natives protesting the lack of job opportunities.

They claim the Africans have taken over jobs meant for them and are demanding that all Africans must leave their country.

Some five Ghanaians were initially reported to have been killed in the attacks but the South African High Commissioner to Ghana says none of the Ghanaian deaths can directly be linked to the attacks.

Her counterpart in South Africa representing Ghana's interest Kwasi Awhoi says investigations are underway to ascertain the true cause of the Ghanaian deaths.

But the opposition NPP is unhappy with government's response thus far.

In a statement issued in Accra, Monday, the party said given the serious nature of the attacks, government cannot continue to adopt the half hearted approach in dealing with the matter.

Even more damning the party noted is the conduct of the Foreign Minister Hannah Tetteh who has decided to be selective in providing information on the SA attacks.

The following the full statement;

The New Patriotic Party notes with deep concern, the meek response of the NDC government towards the gruesome xenophobic attacks in South Africa which has claimed the lives of many Africans, including some Ghanaians.

Considering the serious nature of these events, our government was expected among other things, to unreservedly condemn these attacks and in concert with other African governments exert the necessary pressure on the South African authorities to act swiftly and decisively to end these barbaric and inhuman attacks on other Africans.

Sadly, so far, the NDC government has shown a lackadaisical attitude which is manifest in its inability to communicate to Ghanaians, any measures it is putting in place to assist our Nationals in South Africa, neither have they outlined any contingency plans to evacuate them if necessary.

Even more damning is the posture of the Foreign Minister, Hon. Hannah Tetteh, who blatantly refused to speak to a local radio station on the issue and arrogantly posited that she will only do so on Radio Gold, a known NDC radio station. Her conduct is as reprehensible as it is insensitive, especially in a matter involving people's lives and emotions. The President should act decisively on her indiscretion.

The NPP strongly urges the President to carry out his sworn obligation under the 1992 constitution to protect the life and safety of every Ghanaian, whether home or Abroad.

The Party shares in the pain and suffering of the many Ghanaians, whose loved ones have been caught up in this unfortunate situation.

…signed…

Kwabena Agyei Agyepong

(General Secretary)