ACCRA, Apr 22 (THE AFRICAN PORTAL) – Ghana has engaged South African authorities following the circulation of videos appearing to show Ghanaian nationals being targeted in xenophobic attacks, prompting diplomatic consultations between Accra and Pretoria.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said he held a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, to address the situation and coordinate a response.
Ablakwa said the call followed the circulation of disturbing footage on social media. He said South Africa had expressed concern and pledged to investigate the incidents.
“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations,” he said in a statement shared on social media.
He added that South African authorities were expected to brief diplomatic missions as part of efforts to clarify the situation and respond to concerns raised by affected countries.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has also been in contact with the Foreign Ministry and affected nationals, Ablakwa said.
According to him, consular officials have identified one individual featured in the viral footage and are providing assistance.
Ablakwa said no Ghanaian fatalities had been recorded and urged calm while investigations continue.
“We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.
He added that the government remained committed to protecting citizens abroad and called for African unity in response to the incidents.
