Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has criticised the government over the postponement of the planned evacuation of Ghanaians living in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.
According to the caucus, the delay raises serious concerns about government’s handling of the situation and the protection of Ghanaian citizens abroad.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minority described the development as “deeply troubling,” insisting that promises made by the government must be matched with decisive action.
The statement followed an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the planned evacuation exercise had been postponed due to legal and logistical requirements.
The Minority noted that recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa had created fear and uncertainty among foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, with reports of intimidation and attacks heightening concerns for their safety.
According to the caucus, hundreds of Ghanaians had reportedly registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria in anticipation of being evacuated after the government announced plans to assist affected citizens.
“From the moment these disturbing reports first emerged, the Minority consistently called for swift, coordinated and decisive action in the interest of our citizens,” the statement said.
The caucus argued that legal and logistical issues cited by the government should have been addressed before public assurances were given.
“It is disappointing that after the announcements, assurances and public statements, we are now being told that the exercise has been postponed due to legal and logistical requirements,” the statement added.
The Minority further stated that the latest development reinforces growing concerns about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ approach to citizen protection and crisis management.
According to the caucus, the incident highlights the need for government institutions to ensure that public announcements are backed by the operational systems required for effective implementation.
The statement stressed that behind every statistic were Ghanaian citizens and families living in fear and looking to their government for protection and reassurance.
The Minority therefore called on the government to act with urgency and seriousness to safeguard the welfare, dignity and safety of Ghanaians living abroad.
It also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide regular updates to affected citizens and the public on measures being taken to address the situation.
By Ernest Kofi Adu