Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a full-scale investigation into reported xenophobic incidents targeting Ghanaians in South Africa, following the circulation of a disturbing viral video.
The intervention comes after a viral video surfaced on social media showing a South African woman leading a youth group to confront a Ghanaian resident, accusing him of overstaying and calling for foreigners to return to their home countries rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
In the widely circulated footage, the woman expressed frustration over migration within the continent, declaring that Africans should focus on developing their own countries instead of relocating to others in search of better prospects.
Responding to the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Ablakwa disclosed that he had held a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, to address the situation.
“I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” the Minister stated.
According to Ablakwa, the South African government has expressed concern over the incidents and assured Ghana of immediate action.
“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” he noted, adding that authorities in South Africa are expected to brief African ambassadors on the matter.
The Minister also revealed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa, led by High Commissioner Benjamin Quarshie, has been actively coordinating a response and providing support to affected citizens.
“I am gladdened that so far, colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well. No Ghanaian life has been lost,” Ablakwa said.
He urged calm among Ghanaians while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens both at home and abroad under the administration of John Dramani Mahama.
“Let me assure compatriots that the Mahama Administration remains uncompromising about the welfare and safety of Ghanaians, both at home and abroad. We are determined to guarantee the protection of all citizens,” he added.
Despite the tensions, Ablakwa called for continued African unity, cautioning against allowing isolated incidents to undermine continental solidarity.
“May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity for each other. The overwhelming majority of Africans are united and share an unbreakable bond — we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” he stated.
