Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has initiated high-level diplomatic engagement with South Africa following disturbing reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Hon. Ablakwa disclosed that he had a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to address the situation and coordinate an official response.
The Minister revealed that his decision to reach out was prompted by viral videos showing alleged attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa. “I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” he stated.
According to Hon Ablakwa, his South African counterpart expressed concern over the incidents and assured Ghana of swift action. “The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” he noted.
He further indicated that the South African government is taking immediate diplomatic steps, including plans to engage African representatives. “The Government of South Africa is set to hold a briefing with African Ambassadors later today,” he added.
On Ghana’s response, the Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed ongoing coordination with the country’s diplomatic mission in South Africa. He disclosed that he has been “in constant contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa, coordinating our response.”
Providing an update on the victims, Hon Ablakwa reassured the public that support is already being offered. “I am gladdened that colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well,” he said.
Importantly, he emphasised that no Ghanaian lives have been lost in the incidents so far and urged citizens to remain calm. “We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he appealed.
Hon Ablakwa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens worldwide, stressing that the Mahama administration remains “uncompromising about the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.”
Despite the troubling developments, the Minister called for unity across the continent, cautioning against allowing isolated incidents to undermine African solidarity. “May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity. We shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” he concluded.
