SA xenophobic attacks: Foreign Affairs Ministry creates call centre for ‘distressed’ Ghanaians

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the recent spate of xenophobic attacks on some Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Ministry has also set up dedicated emergency lines for Ghanaians in distress in South Africa.

According to the Ministry, the recent renewed attacks are rather unfortunate.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry further called on the South African authorities to take all necessary actions to tackle the problem which is posing a threat to the harmonious co-existence amongst South Africans and other Africans in the Southern African country.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana views the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa on African nationals and the the looting of foreign and local shops as unfortunate.”

“The Government further urges South Africa authorities to take all necessary actions that will guarantee harmonious co-existence between South Africans and Africans resident in South Africa.”

“The High commission of Ghana in Pretoria has set up the following dedicated emergncy lines through which our Ghanaian nationals in distress could contact the mission for urgent assistance TEL: +271-234-258-47/8”

The Statement for the ministry also disclosed that the Ghana High Commission in South Africa together with the African Diplomatic corps have met to prevent future attacks on other African nationals in South Africa as well as the looting of properties owned by other African nationals.

“Since the renewed attacks on African nationals in South Africa on Thursday, 29th August 2019, the High Commission of Ghana has acted independently and jointly with the African Diplomatic Corps in insisting on the prevention of the recurrence of unwarranted attacks on African nationals and the looting of their properties.”

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry also disclosed that there are no “confirmed Ghanaian casualties” from the unrest.

The Government of Ghana wishes to assure the Ghanaian public that there is no confirmed Ghanaian casualties at the moment.”

“Our high Commission in Pretoria is monitoring the situation closely and any new development will be communicated accordingly”

 

Avoid hotspots in South Africa – High Commission warns Ghanaians amid unrest

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng, earlier on Tuesday also urged Ghanaians resident in the country to be cautious amid the unrest and alleged xenophobic attacks in the country.

“We never thought it will reoccur because in all the meetings centred on the fact that this should nto recur so it is unfortunate.”

South Africa has gained notoriety over the past two decades over incidents of xenophobia-influenced violence.

In the current unrest, Nigerians appear to be the target of the angry mobs.

Other African governments have issued warnings to their citizens over the violence.

International media outlets have reported that dozens of people were arrested in Johannesburg on Monday while at least five people have been killed in the unrest.

Addressing the press at the Ghana High Commission, he added that “if there is any need to put in place contingency measures, be assured that we will do it.”

“I appeal to my fellow Ghanaians to monitor the situation carefully. Those who live around violence-prone areas must take caution and those also living around hotspots must also take caution and monitor the movements of assailants.”

Mr. Ayisi-Boateng noted that concerned African ambassadors are set to meet on the matter later on Wednesday and that they were surprised the escalating violence.