No Ghanaian has lost their life during the current xenophobic attacks in South Africa. This clarification comes from Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie.
Mr. Quarshie stated that official records from the Ghanaian mission contradict viral claims circulating online. These reports suggested that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, were targeted and killed. He emphasized during an interview that "nobody has lost their lives" in the ongoing disturbances. The mission's data directly refutes these alarming reports.
The situation in South Africa has seen a rise in tensions and reports of violence against foreigners. This is not a new phenomenon for South Africa, which has a history of such attacks. These incidents often highlight underlying economic and social challenges within the country. Past events have sometimes strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and other African nations. The presence of a large number of foreign nationals in South Africa, often seeking economic opportunities, has been a recurring theme in these conflicts.
Ambassador Quarshie specifically addressed a widely shared story about a Ghanaian man reportedly killed in East London. He explained that investigations revealed the man was a victim of armed robbery, not xenophobic violence. The incident occurred three weeks prior to the reports surfacing. The Ghanaian government, through the Foreign Affairs Minister, has requested a thorough investigation into this death. The Minister also instructed that the deceased should not be buried until the investigation is complete. This ensures due process and seeks justice for the victim. The government is also pursuing compensation for the victim's family.
The victim's family in Ghana has been identified and informed about the situation. Mr. Quarshie described the circumstances of the killing as "pathetic" and highlighted that the deceased was the family's primary breadwinner. Despite this tragic incident, the envoy stressed that it should not be mistaken for xenophobic violence. He assured that Ghana's diplomatic mission will pursue accountability for all individuals involved. "Until justice is done, we will not stop," he pledged, signalling a firm stance against such crimes.