Xenophobic tensions: Gov't should recall Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa — Ex-Envoy

Former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa and Member of Parliament for Abirem, Charles Asuako Owiredu, has urged the government to recall Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African migrants.

His comment follows recent wave of anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, which has resulted in the repatriation of more than 1,000 Ghanaians, with hundreds more awaiting evacuation.

The situation was further heightened after a Ghanaian national was reportedly killed on June 30 during demonstrations by xenophobic groups against African migrants.

These tensions, according to reports, have led to the deferment of a planned state visit by President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.

Reacting to this on Accra-based JoyNews' News Today programme on Tuesday, July 7, Owiredu said Ghana must take stronger diplomatic action to ensure that South African authorities address the attacks and protect Ghanaian citizens.

"The South African government has not shown that they were truly committed to ensuring that those who were involved were caught. We have not heard of any prosecution, we have not heard of anybody in jail."

"The Foreign Minister and President should recall our High Commissioner to South Africa. Our High Commissioner should also cancel his engagement because we need to really establish the way we treat this matter. Other than that, nothing is going to change," said the former High Commissioner.