Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that Ghana is considering the possibility of taking legal action against South Africa over recent xenophobic attacks that have affected Ghanaian citizens.
He said the government's response is not limited to evacuation and immediate protection, but also includes demands for accountability and compensation for victims who suffered harm.
Speaking on Joy FM on Saturday, June 6, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana has formally conveyed its position to the South African authorities and is expecting concrete measures to address the concerns of affected citizens.
“We are also considering formal legal action in competent international courts on this matter. We have made it clear that the matter does not end with the evacuation of Ghanaians. There must be accountability and a price must be paid,” he said.
He said Ghana demanded accountability and compensation for the victims, noting that the only response received so far concerned medical assistance for hospitalized Ghanaians.
He said, “We have told the South Africans that we expect them to take responsibility and compensate our citizens. The only action we have seen from them has been with the Ghanaians who were hospitalised. They contacted us saying they were willing to take care of the medical bills.”
Mr Ablakwa stressed that the safety of Ghanaian nationals abroad remains a key priority for the Government, adding that diplomatic engagement is ongoing with South African authorities to safeguard the welfare of affected nationals.
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has been a recurring challenge for years, often linked to socio-economic tensions, with foreign nationals from several African countries being periodically targeted, leading to widespread condemnation by governments and international organisations.