Arise Ghana expresses its profound concern and indignation regarding the recurrent xenophobic attacks against African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. These violent incidents continue to undermine African unity, violate fundamental human rights, and threaten the spirit of Pan-African solidarity upon which the African Union was founded.
We are aware that numerous Ghanaian traders, workers, students, and residents in South Africa continue to live in fear and uncertainty. The repeated assaults, intimidation, destruction of businesses, displacement, and targeted harassment of foreign African nationals, particularly Ghanaians, cannot be normalized or excused under any circumstance.
We strongly condemn the culture of impunity that has allowed such attacks to recur over the years, despite repeated diplomatic engagements and public assurances by the South African government.
In this context, we commend the government of Ghana, particularly the Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Benjamin Quarshie, for ensuring the safe return of 300 Ghanaians domiciled in South Africa and the reintegration support package offered.
In light of the persistent nature of these attacks and the apparent failure of adequate preventive and accountability measures, we demand the following:
a) That the Government of Ghana takes decisive legal and diplomatic action by pursuing redress through relevant African Union legal mechanisms, including the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other applicable AU institutions. We believe that the continuous targeting of African migrants violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Indeed, the attacks undermine regional integration protocols under the African Union framework. Victims of such heinous crimes deserve justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence; and African governments must adopt a clear continental position against xenophobia and anti-African violence.
b) That the NDC Government reject any renewal of mining leases involving Gold Fields until there is a clear demonstration of responsible corporate citizenship and respect for Ghanaian national interests. At a time when Ghanaian citizens are facing hostility and violence in South Africa, and there is a demand for their return to address issues in Ghana, it is unacceptable for Ghana to continue granting strategic economic privileges without a broader assessment of reciprocal respect, accountability, and mutual benefit between both nations and associated corporate interests.
c) That those strategic mining concessions be allocated to indigenous Ghanaian companies, such as Engineers and Planners, to ensure that proceeds remain in Ghana for our economic benefit.
d) That, as a matter of urgency, South African nationals domiciled in Ghana for business or any other purpose should return to their home country to enable us to comprehensively address issues within our beloved country, Ghana.
In conclusion, it is imperative to note that Africa’s future cannot be built on division, violence, and hostility against fellow Africans. Xenophobia weakens regional cooperation, damages economic integration, and betrays the vision of a united continent championed by our forebears, especially Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. As such, we urge the government of Ghana to remain resolute in its response and courageous in the defense of its citizens.
#Arise Ghana
# daily newsflash
