After videos went viral capturing a Ghanaian man living in South Africa being attacked by citizens accusing him of overstaying the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that no Ghanaian lives have been lost in South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks.
He further assured Ghanaians that a full-scale investigation into reported xenophobic incidents targeting Ghanaians in South Africa is ongoing .
He indicated that he had held a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, to address the situation.
“I held a telephone conversation this morning with my South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” part of the post read.
According Okudzeto Ablakwa the South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised a full-scale investigation into the depressing incidents.
“The Government of South Africa is set to hold a briefing with African Ambassadors later today. I am also able to confirm that since yesterday, I have been in constant contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa, His Excellency Benjamin Quarshie, coordinating our response. I am gladdened that so far, colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well. No Ghanaian life has been lost.”
With the online protest currently trending on social media pressuring the government to ‘sack’ illegal South African migrants from the country, the Minister has called for calm, assuring that government will find an immediate solution to the current happenings.
“We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians. Let me assure compatriots that the Mahama Administration remains uncompromising about the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
We are determined to guarantee the protection of all citizens. May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity for each other. The overwhelming majority of Africans are united and share an unbreakable bond — we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” the post read.