Ghana must fight for justice for its citizens attacked in South Africa. The Bosome Freho MP, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, demands this. He is the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. This call comes after 300 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa on May 28, 2026. Mr. Ayeh stated that simply bringing victims home is not enough. He wants Ghana to pursue compensation and accountability for the brutalities.
Mr. Ayeh believes African leaders and the African Union need to act decisively. He sees these recurring attacks as more than just diplomatic issues. He even suggested closing South African embassies earlier. This, he felt, would send a strong message. He warned that the situation could worsen without firm action. He fears a scenario where foreign nationals are apprehended and harmed. This highlights the deep concern regarding the safety of Ghanaians and other foreign nationals.
The MP reminded South Africa of Ghana’s crucial role during its apartheid struggle. Ghana offered significant financial support then. Mr. Ayeh feels South Africa owes a debt of better treatment. He also pointed to South African politicians exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments. They use these feelings as part of political campaigns. This makes it harder to address the violence effectively. Videos showing police inaction during attacks also raise serious concerns about the South African government's ability to control the situation.
“We must pick the venom and tell South Africa that we are not happy,” Mr. Ayeh stated. He urged the African Union to consider continental resolutions. He also proposed possible legal action to seek justice for victims. Documenting cases and gathering evidence is key. This would enable Ghana to pursue cases at the international court. Reparation packages were deemed insufficient. Individuals losing their livelihoods and property need more than just financial aid.
Ghana's government must now consider these strong calls for action. Diplomatic pressure on South Africa needs to intensify. Establishing a clear investigative process for affected citizens is crucial. Pursuing legal avenues, including international courts, requires careful preparation and evidence gathering. The economic and human cost of xenophobia for Ghanaians and other African migrants demands a robust and sustained response from Accra and the AU.