Ghana summons South Africa's envoy over 'xenophobic incidents'

South Africa, the continent's most industrialized economy, has long been a destination for African workers, both legal and undocumented.

But with an unemployment rate now exceeding 30 percent, it has seen frequent xenophobic and anti-immigrant protests, and sometimes violence.

Videos have circulated online in recent days showing Ghanaians being harassed.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke about an incident in KwaZulu-Natal province in which a legal resident of Ghana was confronted … (and) instructed to leave South Africa and 'fix his country,'” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Thursday.

It also warned of “escalating tensions as foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have been advised to stay indoors for their safety”.

In his meeting with South Africa's Acting High Commissioner Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa “underscored Ghana's support for the anti-apartheid struggle” and “stressed that unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity”.

According to official figures for 2022, there are approximately 2.4 million foreign-born people in South Africa, or about four percent of the population.

AFP