'We will not sit aloof' – Ghana envoy assures protection for citizens in South Africa

The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has reassured Ghanaian citizens that it is actively working to safeguard their welfare while closely monitoring the country’s security situation following recent anti-immigration protests.

Speaking on JoyNews on June 30, 2026, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the mission remains in constant contact with South African security agencies and other relevant stakeholders as it keeps track of developments through various intelligence channels.

He explained that the High Commission has already issued precautionary guidance to Ghanaians, including advising business owners to temporarily close their shops until the situation stabilises.

The directive comes after protesters marked their June 30 ultimatum demanding that undocumented African migrants leave South Africa.

The deadline sparked demonstrations in several areas, with protesters intensifying calls on the South African government to crack down on undocumented migrants.

Quashie emphasised that the High Commission would not stand by while Ghanaian nationals face possible threats, stressing that diplomacy remains the most effective approach to resolving the situation.

“But we want to assure them that we don’t intend to sit aloof and allow the people of South Africa to take the law into their own hands and do whatever they want to do. We intend to go the extra mile. We will continue using diplomacy to be able to resolve this issue,” Quashie stated.

He added that the mission would continue to monitor events and maintain regular engagement with security officials while urging Ghanaians to exercise caution.

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“Well, I think we’ve told them [Ghanaians in South Africa] clearly that we’ll continue to monitor the situation. We’ll continue to speak to law enforcement officers. We’ll continue to speak to other people who have been giving us information day in and day out. But until that time, there is heightened concern, and our people should be cautious. We don’t want them opening their shops. They should just wait until the right time when we will give them the green light,” he added.

Quashie also appealed for calm, assuring Ghanaians in South Africa that the government in Accra is paying close attention to their safety and well-being.

“But the Ghanaian people should know that even in South Africa, you have a president. His name is John Dramani Mahama, who cares for the welfare and well-being of every Ghanaian across the globe, wherever you find yourself. I have a foreign affairs minister who calls me virtually two or three times a day, just concerned and asking about how the people of Ghana in South Africa are doing. We will be able to resolve this, and we just ask them to understand that it is only a matter of time,” he added.

Meanwhile, the High Commission has stepped up surveillance of affected communities and continues to liaise with leaders of the Ghanaian community as South African authorities work to ease tensions triggered by the protests.

Ghanaian nationals have also been advised to remain indoors where necessary, avoid non-essential travel, and comply with all safety instructions until the situation returns to normal.

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AK/BAI