The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has called for stronger diplomatic action against South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.
He says Ghana must go beyond evacuating affected citizens and ensure justice is served for victims.
Speaking in an interview after 300 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa on Wednesday, the Bosome Freho MP said African leaders and the African Union must take firm action to stop the repeated attacks.
According to him, the situation has become very serious and should no longer be treated as a normal diplomatic issue.
“When this issue started, I was even calling for the closure of some of the embassies so that it would demonstrate to South Africans that this thing is unbecoming,” he said.
He warned that the attacks on foreigners could become worse if strong measures are not taken.
“I won’t be surprised if we wake up one day and they apprehend all foreign nationals, put them in a room and set ablaze,” he stated.
The MP also said African countries, including Ghana, supported South Africa during the apartheid struggle and therefore deserve respect and better treatment.
“The freedom South Africa is enjoying, they didn’t get it alone. We all fought for it. Ghana just didn’t fight; we even supported with our money,” he stressed.
Mr Ayeh further claimed that some politicians in South Africa are using anti-foreigner sentiments to gain political support.
“The individual politicians involved are making political campaign promises with it to embolden their base, so they are not able to deal with it as they should,” he said.
He also expressed worry over videos showing alleged attacks happening in front of police officers who failed to intervene.
“You sometimes see videos with police present but doing nothing about the attacks. So it tells you clearly that the South African government itself cannot deal with the issue,” he added.
The lawmaker believes African leaders should work together to apply tougher diplomatic pressure on South Africa.
“We must pick the venom and tell South Africa that we are not happy,” he stated.
He also called on the African Union to consider resolutions and legal action to seek justice for victims.
According to him, Ghana should carefully document all cases involving affected citizens and seek compensation and justice through international legal channels if necessary.
He stressed that victims who lost their businesses, property, and livelihoods deserve more than just support to return home.
“Any Ghanaian who suffered any loss and now has to start from ground zero, a reparation package alone is not enough for such a person. You must let him have justice beyond bringing me back home,” he added.
