Speaking on recent xenophobic attacks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto, said this is a time when the dignity of Ghanaians must be protected. He stated that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has sent a firm message to the international community about the value it places on its citizens.
The Minister explained that the Government considers Ghanaians untouchable and refuses to ignore any form of abuse. He pointed to several diplomatic interventions where the ministry actively defended citizens facing harassment or degrading treatment abroad.
“We have sent a very clear message to the international community that Ghanaians are untouchable, that their rights must be respected, and that the Foreign Ministry of Ghana and the Mahama administration will neither look the other way nor remain silent when Ghanaians are abused, when their rights are violated, or when they are harassed.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Honourable Okudzeto recounted his trip to Ukraine to negotiate the release of two prisoners of war who had been lured into frontline combat. He also travelled to Latvia to seek justice for a student, Nana Adjei, who was killed under horrific circumstances.
He recalled how the government lodged strong protests when Ghanaians were mistreated and deported from Israel in degrading conditions. He said the Foreign Ministry exists to ensure every citizen feels assured that they will not be abandoned in times of danger.
According to him, state policy requires the government to defend the interests and rights of its people wherever they are. He added that the ministry expects the same level of respect and reciprocity that Ghana extends to foreign nationals.
On the case in South Africa, the Minister confirmed ongoing communication with Emmanuel Asamoah, the victim seen in a viral video. He disclosed that the government has decided to relocate and resettle him outside South Africa at the state’s expense.
The Government also moved to protect the victim’s identity following persistent threats and online harassment. The relocation is intended to support his safe reintegration into a more secure environment.
Okudzeto added that South African authorities have confirmed Mr. Asamoah’s legal status as a lawful resident. Ghana’s High Commissioner also met with South Africa’s Vice President and received a formal apology over the incident.
The Minister stressed that civilians have no authority to demand residency documents from others, noting that such responsibilities rest solely with law enforcement. He called for swift investigations and sanctions to deter future incidents.
“And that is why, when I summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Ghana on Tuesday, I made it clear that Ghana demands swift investigations. The investigations they have promised must be carried out promptly, and we expect sanctions that will serve as a strong deterrent. We do not want a situation where these persistent xenophobic attacks continue with impunity against our nationals.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He condemned what he described as, “a lack of compassion” even in critical spaces such as hospitals, and suggested that such attitudes demonstrate a troubling disregard for humanity. He also argued that these incidents point to a short collective memory, given Ghana’s long-standing hospitality toward other nationals.
He cited official statistics indicating that 3,194 South Africans currently live in Ghana, while noting that many more reside in the country beyond recorded figures. He urged against blaming foreigners for rising crime rates, stressing that crime is a global issue and that even Ghanaians living in South Africa have fallen victim to it.
Passport Reforms, Visa Gains Boost Ghana’s Global Diplomatic Standing
The Minister of Foreign Affairs marked a year of active service, describing it as driven by a results-oriented team focused on delivery and long-term impact. He said the vision of President Mahama has guided efforts to leave the ministry stronger than it was.
The Government has established passport application centres in all sixteen regions, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Previously, seven regions lacked such facilities, forcing citizens to travel to Accra for basic services.
Okudzeto announced the rollout of chip-embedded passports and the introduction of courier services to improve efficiency. The Ministry also cleared a backlog of 40,000 applications, leaving no pending requests.
He described the introduction of a one-day emergency passport service nationwide as a major breakthrough. This reform has removed reliance on middlemen and reduced excessive costs for applicants.
The Government has also pursued aggressive visa waiver agreements to strengthen the passport’s value. This effort has added 23 new countries, bringing the total number of visa-free destinations to 50.
Honourable Okudzeto cited recent Cabinet approvals for reciprocal agreements with Zambia, the Maldives, and Antigua and Barbuda, covering all passport categories. These agreements ensure Ghanaians enjoy the same travel freedoms extended to visitors.
He added that passport security remains a top priority, with investments in technology and AI to prevent fraud and protect national security.
Ghana’s diplomatic profile has also risen significantly, with ECOWAS unanimously backing the country’s bid for the African Union chairmanship. President Mahama is now Chair-in-waiting and serves as First Vice-Chair.
Okudzeto said this would mark the first time a Ghanaian president leads the African Union since its establishment in 1963, describing it as a defining moment for the country’s diplomatic leadership.
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