The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to take swift and decisive action to address the recent wave of xenophobic violence and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
His appeal follows President Ramaphosa’s public condemnation of the incidents, which have triggered concern across Africa.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, 11 May, Mr Ablakwa described the South African leader’s statement as reassuring but stressed the need for urgent measures to restore calm and protect foreign nationals.
“This is reassuring, President Cyril Ramaphosa. We count on your leadership to resolve this,” he wrote.
Mr Ablakwa emphasised that Ghana deeply values its longstanding diplomatic relations with South Africa, which he said are anchored on solidarity, mutual respect and shared African brotherhood.
He also reaffirmed his strong commitment to Pan-African unity, referencing the vision of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
“I unrepentantly share in Kwame Nkrumah’s dream — Africa Shall UNITE,” he added.
President Ramaphosa had earlier condemned violent protests and criminal attacks against foreign nationals, stating that such acts do not represent the position of the South African government or its citizens.
He further warned that lawlessness and vigilantism would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The South African President also reiterated his government’s commitment to enforcing immigration and labour laws, while upholding human rights, the rule of law and African unity.
