Mahama must engage South African President over xenophobic attacks — Minority

The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee is calling for urgent presidential-level engagement between Ghana and South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians.

The caucus says the rising incidents in parts of South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng, pose a serious threat to the safety of Ghanaian nationals and other African migrants.

Recent reports point to assaults on individuals, destruction of Ghanaian-owned businesses, and harassment of foreign nationals, for allegedly taking jobs meant for locals.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, and signed by Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, the Minority stressed that the situation requires immediate and coordinated diplomatic action at the highest level.

“The Minority calls for immediate presidential-level engagement between Their Excellencies President Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure clear commitments on protection and enforcement,” the statement read in part.

It noted that while both Ghanaian and South African authorities have taken initial steps, including diplomatic engagements and public condemnations, stronger measures are needed to ensure accountability and protection.

“At this stage, what is required is measurable action by both the South African Government and the Ghanaian Government,” the caucus noted.

The caucus further urged South African authorities to arrest and prosecute perpetrators and strengthen protection for foreign nationals and also called on Ghana to scale up consular support and escalate the matter to the African Union.

It also recommended a coordinated regional response through ECOWAS to address what it described as a recurring pattern of xenophobic violence on the continent.