Accra – Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has contacted his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola to raise concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians in South Africa, after videos of the incidents went viral.
Ablakwa said he held a telephone conversation with Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to address the matter directly. Lamola expressed empathy with the victims and promised a full-scale investigation into the incidents. The South African government also scheduled a briefing with African ambassadors following the call.
Ablakwa said he had been in constant contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, since the day before, coordinating the country’s response. He confirmed that diplomats from the Ghanaian mission had located the main victim featured in the viral video and were providing consular assistance.
“He is doing very well,” Ablakwa said, adding that no Ghanaian life had been lost in the incidents.
“We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said. “Let me assure compatriots that the Mahama Administration remains uncompromising about the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both home and abroad. We are determined to guarantee the protection of all citizens.”
The minister also appealed for Pan-African solidarity not to be eroded by the attacks. “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,” he said.
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