By Hannah Dadzie
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other West African nationals in South Africa as regrettable and a betrayal of African unity. Speaking at the Ghana-Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation in Accra, the Minister said the attacks undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism and cooperation that binds the continent.
“Here we are, banding together as West Africans, showing that we can work together, we can cooperate, and we can produce results together. That is the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. That is the true spirit of cooperation, which our founding fathers always worked tirelessly to achieve. It is really condemnable to see that particularly West Africans have come under another round of xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa revealed that Ghana has engaged the South African authorities at the highest levels, including a meeting with officials from the South African High Commission in Accra and a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart. According to him, the South African government has expressed regret over the incidents and assured Ghana of ongoing investigations and steps to curb the violence.
He also acknowledged plans by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation and call for respect for the rights and dignity of all residents.
“I also take note of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to address the country later today to urge that South Africans respect the rights and the dignity of all persons who are living with them,” the Minister noted.
Mr Ablakwa stressed that the attacks are particularly painful given Africa’s shared history, highlighting Ghana’s role in supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid. He said Ghana provided refuge, scholarships, and even passports to South African freedom fighters during the apartheid era, and offered financial support to the African National Congress (ANC).
“These developments are most depressing because as Africans, we all know the role we played in assisting South Africa to defeat the apartheid regime,” Mr Ablakwa added.
He referenced the late President Nelson Mandela, who acknowledged Ghana’s contribution in his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, and recalled that Ghana’s independence in 1957 inspired the anti-apartheid movement.
Describing the attacks as “naked hatred” and “baseless xenophobia,” the Foreign Affairs Minister called on African leaders to unite against such actions and resist attempts to divide the continent. He emphasized that Ghana remains committed to Pan-African ideals and will continue to promote policies that foster African integration.
Mr Ablakwa reiterated government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian nationals abroad while ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals residing in Ghana.
He gave the assurance that Ghana will not tolerate reprisals against South Africans living in the country, emphasizing Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful and hospitable nation.
The Minister expressed hope that the current incidents will mark the last occurrence of xenophobic violence in South Africa, urging renewed commitment to unity, solidarity, and the shared destiny of the African continent.
Also adding her voice to the condemnation, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Francess Piagie Alghali, denounced the attacks and urged the government of South Africa to address the situation in line with international humanitarian law.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com