By Emmanuel Nduka
The Government of Ghana on Monday issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following what it described as a rise in xenophobic attacks targeting Africans in the country.
In a statement released by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the Ghanaian government expressed concern over reports of attacks allegedly carried out by groups identifying themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes, saying the incidents had resulted in injuries, looting, loss of property, and the closure and takeover of businesses owned by Africans.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana has observed with great concern, the increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeted at Africans by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes which have resulted in degrees of injuries, closure and takeover of businesses, looting and loss of properties,” the statement said.
The government disclosed that the administration of President John Mahama had already taken several diplomatic steps in response to the situation, including lodging formal protests at the highest diplomatic level, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and evacuating Ghanaian nationals affected by the unrest.
Consequently, Ghanaian citizens were advised to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and refrain from undertaking non-essential trips to South Africa until further notice. Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa were also urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular assistance.
According to the statement, the Ghanaian government will continue to work closely with South African authorities to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals and ensure their safety amid the reported attacks.
The government further called on South Africa to provide adequate protection for Africans living within its borders and to take decisive measures to restore law and order in line with the principles of Pan-Africanism and African integration.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its citizens, the Government of Ghana stated that it would continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of Ghanaian nationals both at home and abroad.
Heritage Times HT reports that the hateful attacks targeted mostly against fellow Africans, has escalated in recent weeks, drawing concerns about the freedom of movement of people, goods and services across Africa.
The foundation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is built on two critical pillars: free trade of goods, and free movement of people.
