Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, has advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to prioritise their safety in the wake of renewed xenophobic attacks, urging those who have the means and opportunity to consider returning home to Ghana.
His remarks come amid growing concern following disturbing reports and viral videos showing foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being targeted in violent incidents in parts of South Africa.
The attacks sparked widespread anxiety among families and communities, both within the diaspora and back home, as fears mounted over the safety of citizens living abroad.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, April 25, Dr. Osae-Kwapong stressed that, above all else, the immediate priority for Ghanaians in South Africa should be their personal security.
He noted that while economic aspirations often drive migration, no opportunity is worth risking one’s life.
“For me, when I watch these disturbing videos, there is a part of me that says for the safety of our own Ghanaians, you will want to encourage them to stay safe over there and if there is an opportunity for you to come back home, do that and then those who are currently in Ghana and thinking that this may be an opportunity to explore, you will want to throw them a little bit of caution.
“If you also look at who this is happening to, it appears from the videos that it is targeted more at what we would call your blue-collar, low-skill type persons, but it is also difficult to say to people not to go seeking greener pastures.”
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