Jinapor backs calls for stronger protection of Ghanaians in South Africa

The Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, has called for the establishment of a comprehensive national evacuation policy to better protect Ghanaians abroad.

He also urged national unity and support for Ghanaians in South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks and the reported death of a Ghanaian citizen.

Speaking in an interview on growing concerns over the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa, Jinapor expressed sympathy for affected families and called on government and stakeholders to work together in responding to the crisis.

“We, the Minority and indeed all Ghanaians, continue to send our solidarity, empathy and prayers to our compatriots in South Africa. Government and all stakeholders ought to work together to bring relief and support to all our compatriots in South Africa who may need it,” he said.

Jinapor renewed his call for Ghana to establish a comprehensive national evacuation framework to protect citizens abroad during crises.

He noted that Ghana has successfully carried out evacuations in the past, including during the Liberian civil war under the Rawlings administration, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict under the Akufo-Addo administration. However, he said the country still lacks a permanent institutional framework.

“Ghana has gotten to the point where we should have an evacuation policy. Perhaps we should even legislate on it and establish a dedicated authority or government outfit solely responsible for evacuations whenever our citizens abroad are in distress,” he said.

He disclosed that the Minority has consistently raised the matter in Parliament and at committee level and intends to engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the proposal.

He added that while discussions on a possible private member’s bill are yet to begin, Parliament will continue to push for a structured evacuation system.

Jinapor also expressed support for the government’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union, describing the attacks as recurring and concerning.

“We fully support the government’s decision to petition the African Union. These attacks have become one too many, and there are systemic and endemic conditions in South Africa that the authorities there ought to address,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians to treat the situation as a national concern that transcends partisan politics, stressing that the safety and welfare of citizens abroad is a shared responsibility.

He called for stronger cooperation among government, Parliament, diplomatic missions, and other stakeholders to ensure better protection and support for Ghanaians living abroad during times of crisis.