Xenophobic attacks: Govt cautions Ghanaians against travel to South Africa

The Ghanaian government has issued a stern travel advisory, urging its citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to South Africa. This directive comes in response to a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals within the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra highlighted that these attacks, allegedly carried out by anti-immigrant vigilante groups, have resulted in significant harm, including injuries, looting, destruction of property, and the forceful closure or takeover of businesses owned by Africans. The government expressed grave concern over these developments.

Ghana has already undertaken several diplomatic actions to protect its citizens and address the situation. These measures include lodging formal protests at the highest diplomatic levels, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, and petitioning the African Union (AU). The government is also actively facilitating the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals who have been affected by the violence.

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The Government of the Republic of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.

"The Government of the Republic of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice," the statement emphasized. Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa are urged to maintain close contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance and updates on the evolving security situation.

The advisory underscores the recurring nature of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which frequently targets migrants and business owners from other African nations. Ghana has called upon the South African government to provide adequate security for targeted African groups and to enforce law and order, emphasizing the importance of upholding Pan-Africanism and African integration.

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The Government of the Republic of Ghana wishes to call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans in its territory and take measures to enforce law and order in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration.