Ghanaian at center of viral xenophobic attack in South Africa to be relocated - Ablakwa

The government of Ghana has begun efforts to relocate a Ghanaian national living in South Africa following what authorities describe as a xenophobic attack.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the affected individual, Emmanuel Asamoah, had come under “unwarranted xenophobic attack from a fringe vigilante group.”

According to the minister, the government has already engaged Asamoah and is taking steps to ensure his safety.

“As I announced on TV3 a while ago, the government of Ghana is relocating Mr Emmanuel Asamoah, the Ghanaian legally living in South Africa who came under unwarranted xenophobic attack from a fringe vigilante group,” he stated.

Ablakwa added that he had personally spoken with the victim, assuring the public that he remains in good condition despite the threats.

“I have spoken to Mr Asamoah directly, and he is doing well despite the incessant threats. We are taking him out of South Africa,” he added.

The minister also commended the South African authorities for their response to the situation, particularly the intervention of the country’s police leadership.

“I wish to also commend the Government of South Africa for their reassuring response, particularly as conveyed in the press statement issued by the Hon Minister for Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia,” he noted.

He reaffirmed the government of Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

“We shall continue to make the protection of Ghanaians at home and abroad our utmost priority. No Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way,” he stressed.

The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns about xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, even as both governments reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

NA/AE