Ghana summons South African high envoy over xenophobic attacks

Ghana summons South African high envoy over xenophobic attacks

Ghana Summons South African High Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks

On April 23, 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally summoned Thando Dalamba, South Africa’s acting High Commissioner in Accra, in response to a wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.

The move was announced by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, who emphasized that the summons was intended to register Ghana’s “strong concern” over the intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals, including Ghanaian citizens.

The tensions in South Africa reportedly escalated after groups staged anti-foreigner demonstrations in several communities. Viral videos circulated showing protesters chanting slogans such as “We don’t want Africans here,” accusing migrants of taking jobs and straining public services. In one notable incident in KwaZulu-Natal province, a Ghanaian resident was confronted and asked to prove his legal status, with individuals allegedly telling him to leave the country.

Ablakwa warned that similar episodes in the past had spiraled into violence and loss of lives, stressing the urgency of preventing a recurrence.

Ghana’s government highlighted the historical solidarity between the two nations, recalling Ghana’s support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle under Kwame Nkrumah. Ablakwa argued that the current hostility undermines African unity and solidarity, calling for immediate measures to protect Ghanaian nationals and assurances that such incidents will not happen again. He described the harassment of law-abiding individuals as “unacceptable” and demanded swift intervention by South African authorities to prevent further escalation.

In response, Dalamba acknowledged the concerns and assured that the South African government is aware of the situation. He stated that security agencies are monitoring developments and working to hold perpetrators accountable.

Ghana’s foreign ministry confirmed that it will continue engaging South African authorities to safeguard the welfare of its citizens.

This diplomatic exchange underscores the fragility of relations when xenophobic sentiments flare, and it highlights the broader challenge of balancing domestic pressures in South Africa with the need for continental solidarity.

Ghana’s firm stance signals its commitment to protecting its nationals abroad while reminding South Africa of the shared history and values that bind African nations together.