Group notifies police of planned demonstration over attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa

A group calling itself the Ghana First Alliance has notified the Greater Accra Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service of its intention to stage what it describes as a massive, peaceful national demonstration in response to reported xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa.

According to a statement signed by the group's Lead Convener, Nana Otu Darko, the planned protest is intended to draw attention to the alleged attacks on Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, which the Alliance says have resulted in the emergency evacuation of 300 Ghanaians back to their home country.

The organisation stated that "it expects the Ghana Police Service to provide the necessary security support and protection for the demonstration in accordance with the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491)."

The Alliance stressed that the planned action would be peaceful, disciplined and conducted within the confines of the law.

In justifying the demonstration, the group referenced the ideals of Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and former South African President Nelson Mandela. It argued that the reported attacks undermine the principles of African unity and solidarity that have long guided relations among countries on the continent.

The Alliance also commended the Government of Ghana for what it described as a swift and decisive intervention to evacuate affected citizens from South Africa.

According to the group, “the move demonstrated the government's commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.”

However, it maintained that emergency evacuations alone are not enough and called for more permanent measures to ensure the safety and dignity of Ghanaian citizens living and working in foreign countries.

As part of its demands, the Ghana First Alliance is calling on the government to review the operations of South African-owned businesses in Ghana, including mining companies, and consider withholding the renewal of expired licences.

The group believes such measures would send a strong message regarding Ghana's dissatisfaction with the treatment of its citizens in South Africa. It is also advocating a review of Ghana's visa arrangements with South Africa, arguing that South African citizens should be required to obtain visas before entering Ghana.

The Alliance further urged authorities to intensify immigration enforcement by identifying and deporting South African nationals who are residing illegally in the country or have overstayed their visas. At the continental level, the group called on the African Union to intervene and address what it described as recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa. It said such developments threaten the ideals of pan-Africanism, human rights and the free movement of people across Africa.

The statement also expressed solidarity with the Ghanaians reportedly evacuated from South Africa and called for the implementation of state-supported reintegration programmes to help them rebuild their lives upon their return home.

According to the Alliance, petitions arising from the demonstration will be presented to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Jubilee House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The petitions are expected to focus on issues relating to corporate licence renewals, national security, the protection of Ghanaian citizens abroad and Ghana's diplomatic engagement with South Africa.