Ghana Demands Action on Xenophobia After Citizens Killed in South Africa

The recent killing of two Ghanaians in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks has deeply troubled Ghana, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa describing the incidents as unacceptable. Bashiru Isaac, 44, and Kojo Antwi are the latest victims in a disturbing pattern of hostility targeting Africans living and working across the continent, a stark contradiction to the ideals of African unity.

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The confirmation yesterday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs that two Ghanaians have been killed in renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa is both troubling and unacceptable.

Ghanaian Times expressed deep concern that these attacks persist despite years of diplomatic efforts and promises of reform, questioning how long such intra-African violence will continue. The Foreign Affairs Minister's commitment to pursuing justice through diplomatic and legal channels is commendable, but the publication stresses the need for sustained pressure and tangible results.

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The Ghanaian Times finds it deeply disturbing that such attacks continue to recur despite years of diplomatic engagements, public condemnations and promises of reform.

The involvement of civic groups shifting their focus to harassing and intimidating African migrants is particularly alarming, suggesting a dangerous normalization of xenophobia. This trend directly undermines the African Union's vision of integration, which is founded on free movement, cooperation, and mutual respect. Such violence erodes trust among nations, disrupts lives, and damages regional partnerships.

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Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has rightly described the attacks as deeply disturbing and has assured that the government will pursue justice through diplomatic and legal means.

While Ghana has commendably evacuated 926 citizens and provided reintegration support, the Ghanaian Times argues that evacuation cannot be the sole solution. It addresses symptoms, not the root cause. The publication calls for a firm, coordinated continental response, including the African Union placing xenophobia on its agenda with binding commitments and accountability mechanisms. South African authorities are urged to conduct transparent investigations, ensuring justice is visibly served to deter future perpetrators. Furthermore, African governments must intensify public education on tolerance and the benefits of intra-continental migration.

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However, evacuation cannot become the default solution. It addresses the symptoms but not the root cause.