'This is an African problem' - SA President Ramaphosa pleads with Mahama for continental support

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama to help rally other African heads of state in support of South Africa, framing the country's ongoing attacks on foreign nationals as a "continental problem" that requires an African solution.

In an interview sighted by GhanaWeb, Ramaphosa, while speaking to the press, expressed appreciation for Mahama's willingness to champion South Africa's cause among fellow African leaders, revealing that the gesture had directly influenced Pretoria's decision to dispatch diplomatic envoys across the continent.

"This time around, we are saying we want to work together; work with us. And I'm rather pleased that President Mahama of Ghana has been saying he would like to make a call on other African countries to work with South Africa, and that is precisely what has triggered our intention to send envoys," Ramaphosa said.

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The South African president acknowledged the severe social pressures, including unemployment, insecurity, and poor service delivery, that have fuelled anti-immigrant tensions within his country, but insisted that the solution must be collective.

"This is an African problem that requires African solutions," he stated.

Xenophobia and Ghana's evacuation

Ramaphosa's remarks come amid tensions in South Africa triggered by renewed anti-immigration protests and growing frustration over unemployment, crime, and access to public services, with foreign nationals becoming targets in several communities.

Concerns escalated in April after videos circulated on social media showing foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being harassed and asked to produce immigration documents by groups of South Africans.

The first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks landed at Accra International Airport at about 3:00 p.m. on May 27, 2026.

The evacuation process began after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory urging distressed Ghanaians in South Africa to register with Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible evacuation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who welcomed the evacuees at the airport, said the group included 26 citizens who had been in South African prisons for visa offences and announced that psychosocial support, transport allowances, and reintegration packages would be provided to help the returnees settle back home.

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