Tensions Rise as Ghana Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks

Tensions are growing between Ghana and South Africa after Ghana formally summoned South Africa’s envoy over recent attacks on foreigners witnessed on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and Wednesday, April 23, 2026.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 23, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa, Thando Dalamba, was summoned to explain reports of harassment against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba, was summoned by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) over recent xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa,” read part of the statement.

Ghana Summons SA Envoy Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government is worried about widely circulated viral videos showing foreigners being mistreated.

He pointed to an incident in KwaZulu-Natal, where a Ghanaian man living legally in South Africa was stopped, asked to show his documents, and told to leave the country and “fix his country.”

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Ablakwa said such actions are wrong and violate the rights of people living and working legally.

He added that the situation may be getting worse, with some foreigners being told to stay indoors for their own safety.

Ghana Urges Unity as It Protests Renewed Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

Although no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current wave of incidents, the minister recalled past outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa that resulted in deaths and destruction of property.

He stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent a repeat of such events.

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The minister also reminded South Africa of the strong history between the two countries. He noted that Ghana supported South Africa in the fight against apartheid, a struggle led by figures such as the late Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah.

He said Africans should not turn against each other and called for peace and unity.

Ghana has now made an official protest and asked South Africa to act quickly to protect Ghanaians and other foreigners. It also wants clear steps to stop the situation from getting worse.

In response, Dalamba said the South African government is aware of the problem and is working to calm the situation. He said police are watching closely and will take action against those involved.

Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said it will continue to follow up on the matter to make sure its citizens in South Africa are safe.

The statement by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes days after xenophobic attacks were reported in South Africa.

Videos shared on social media showed a group of South African nationals marching to businesses owned by foreigners and ordering them to leave the country. Those who tried to question the orders were reportedly met with violence.

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