Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, has cautioned Ghanaians living in the country to be vigilant and restrict their movement to safe areas in the wake of possible xenophobic attacks on foreigners living in South Africa.
The embassy, in a statement, indicated that there has been increasing protests by various organised groups in South Africa, protesting against the presence of foreigners in the country.
According to the statement, in the last month, individuals claiming to represent various groups against the presence of foreigners have announced or broadcast plans to attack, rusticate or remove foreigners from their jobs or workplaces and even out of the country from the beginning of September, 2022.
“Whilst recognising that this is not a government or state policy, such activities by individuals or groups could degenerate into violence aimed at foreigners or threaten their lives, safety and livelihood,” the statement said.
“The Mission would thus, like to advise members of the Ghanaian community to be vigilant to any such incidents, restrict their movements to safe areas, avoid mass gatherings and refrain from engaging in activities that could result in conflict, brawls or deterioration in their safety,” it added.
The statement said members of the Ghanaian community may contact the Mission in case of emergency or any attacks on telephone numbers: 012-342-5847 or 0768-764-838 and via email address: headconsular@ghanahighcommission.co.za or headofmission@ghanahighcommission.co.za
South Africa has experienced deadly xenophobic attacks in recent times, with citizens blaming other nationals for their woes such as high unemployment in the country, leading to the loss of lives and properties.
Several High Commissions and Embassies in the country have issued statements warning its citizens about a possible xenophobic attack by a movement known as ‘Operation Dudula’, who are calling themselves original South Africans who want freedom from all undocumented foreigners to be deported from the country.
The group, through public notice and video clips circulated on social media, has informed of plans to march against foreign migrants in South Africa, starting from September 2, 2022, and specifically on foreign business owners, shops and undocumented foreign nationals.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak