Ghana Challenges South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks, Rejects Crime Allegations Against Ghanaians

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana has formally questioned South Africa’s commitment to tackling recurring xenophobic attacks while dismissing claims that Ghanaians are involved in organised criminal activity in the country.

ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana has formally challenged South Africa over recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals while rejecting allegations that Ghanaians are responsible for criminal activities often cited during anti-immigrant campaigns.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Ghana has submitted a petition to the African Union (AU), demanding answers over repeated attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa and questioning why the incidents continue to occur despite years of concern from African governments.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana was seeking accountability and stronger action against xenophobic violence, which has periodically affected African migrants and businesses operating in South Africa. “In our petition, we are demanding discussion of the matter. The South African government should explain to us why this keeps recurring, and they don’t seem to have the political will to deal with it decisively,” the minister said.

Ghana Rejects Crime Claims

The minister also dismissed allegations that African migrants, including Ghanaians, are largely responsible for criminal activities in South Africa. According to Mr Ablakwa, suggestions that Ghanaians are linked to organised criminal syndicates are inaccurate and unsupported by available evidence. He argued that many Ghanaians living in South Africa are law-abiding residents who have themselves become victims of criminal attacks and insecurity.

“Ghanaians are generally law-abiding,” he said, adding that screening processes undertaken during recent evacuation and verification exercises had not identified evidence linking Ghanaian nationals to organised crime networks. He maintained that many Ghanaian residents in South Africa have instead suffered robberies, intimidation and other security-related challenges.

Call for AU Action

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana’s petition asks the African Union to examine why xenophobic incidents continue to occur and whether stronger continental measures are required. He warned that repeated attacks undermine efforts toward African integration and threaten the vision of continental unity promoted through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The minister expressed concern that recurring violence against foreign nationals continues without lasting solutions, arguing that perpetrators are often seen publicly threatening migrants and damaging businesses without facing sufficient consequences.

Long-Running Tensions

Xenophobic violence has periodically erupted in South Africa over the past two decades, often targeting migrants from other African countries. Previous incidents have resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement and damage to businesses owned by foreign nationals.

The issue has frequently strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and several African countries whose citizens have been affected. Ghana has consistently called for stronger protections for its citizens abroad while maintaining support for peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation across the continent.

Awaiting South African Response

At the time of publication, South African authorities had not publicly responded to Ghana’s latest petition to the African Union. Nukunya has contacted South Africa’s High Commission in Ghana for comment and will update this story if a response is received. The latest intervention signals a more assertive diplomatic approach from Ghana as concerns grow over the safety and treatment of African migrants living in South Africa.

Source: JoyNews