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The government of Ghana has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following what it described as increasing xenophobic attacks targeting Africans.
In a statement released by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities said they were deeply concerned by reports of violence allegedly carried out by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes.
The Ghanaian government said the incidents have resulted in injuries, business closures, looting, property losses and the takeover of businesses owned by Africans in South Africa.
“Ghana has observed with great concern the increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeted at Africans,” the advisory stated.
The Mahama administration said it has already taken diplomatic steps in response to the situation, including lodging formal protests at the highest level, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union and evacuating Ghanaian nationals.
Accra has now advised Ghanaian citizens to “exercise extreme caution” and suspend non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.
Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have also been urged to remain in regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular support. The government said it would continue working with South African authorities to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals and ensure their safety.
At the same time, Ghana called on the South African government to strengthen security protections for Africans living within its borders and enforce law and order.
The statement urged Pretoria to act “in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration.”
Ghana also reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of its citizens both at home and abroad as concerns grow over the reported attacks.
