Policy analyst Kofi Bentil says major South African companies in Ghana must help pay to fly Ghanaian citizens home. These individuals are fleeing dangerous attacks in South Africa. Mr. Bentil believes businesses profiting from Ghana should not ignore the violence against Africans.
The vice president of policy think tank IMANI Africa made this demand. Mr. Bentil stated the Ghanaian government bears a heavy financial burden for these evacuations. He feels South African firms earning billions from Ghana should share this cost. This would show they strongly oppose the attacks in their home country. Companies benefiting from African markets have a duty to stand against violence. Mr. Bentil spoke about this on TV3 on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
This idea suggests a new approach to international relations. Ghana must demand better protection for its citizens abroad. Mr. Bentil sees the attacks as an affront to Ghana itself. He believes Ghana is under attack when its people are harmed. This reflects a deep concern for Ghanaians living outside the country. The government’s quick action to evacuate citizens received praise. Mr. Bentil had advised airlifting vulnerable Ghanaians earlier.
He rejected arguments blaming victims for their immigration status. International law requires protection for everyone. Mr. Bentil stressed that a country must protect all persons within its borders. The attacks in South Africa are not isolated events. They show a failure by South African authorities to tackle xenophobia. Mr. Bentil noted patterns of violence over time. He stated three such incidents indicate a systemic issue needing accountability.
The African Union also faces criticism. Mr. Bentil called for its stronger action against such crises. The AU needs to do more than issue statements. It must hold member states accountable for human rights abuses. Mr. Bentil suggested Ghana review its economic ties with South African businesses. This review should happen if South Africa does not stop the attacks. He also clarified he is not promoting violence. Ghana has economic and regulatory tools to protect its interests. Future business dealings with South African firms must consider how Ghanaians are treated in South Africa.