The Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor has stated that recent developments surrounding xenophobic attacks in South Africa have placed relations between Ghana and South Africa under severe strain. He indicated that the reported death of a Ghanaian citizen in South Africa and conflicting official accounts have deepened uncertainty and heightened public anxiety.
The Damongo MP, Honourable Jinapor, said Ghanaians across have continued to show solidarity with compatriots living in South Africa. He added that immediate relief and support must be extended to affected citizens who may require urgent assistance.
Discussing the diplomatic implications, Honourable Jinapor stated that the unfolding developments have become troubling for both countries. He argued that conflicting narratives from two sovereign governments over the death of a Ghanaian citizen undermine confidence in diplomatic engagement.
“Facts should be facts. We cannot have two sovereign governments presenting conflicting accounts over the death of a Ghanaian citizen. That situation is deeply disturbing and should compel urgent action at the highest level.”
Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor
In light of the situation, the Damongo MP suggested that the diplomatic engagement between the two countries should be elevated beyond ministerial discussions. He stressed that both Presidencies in Ghana and South Africa must directly intervene to restore confidence and rebuild mutual trust.
Additionally, he observed that exchanges between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the South African Foreign Minister suggest growing friction within diplomatic channels. The MP noted that the absence of seamless communication between both foreign ministries signals weakening cordiality in bilateral relations.
The importance, he said, rests on restoring functional communication between the two governments before tensions escalate further. He argued that stronger executive engagement would help create a clearer path toward resolving outstanding issues affecting citizens.
Moreover, Honourable Jinapor stated that diplomatic ties between Ghana and South Africa have historically been significant within the African political space. He therefore warned that prolonged strain could weaken cooperation on trade, migration and continental diplomacy.
The Damongo MP, Honourable Jinapor, further noted that the matter extends beyond political disagreement and touches directly on citizen protection. He said governments have a duty to ensure the safety and dignity of their nationals abroad.
He called for decisive state action aimed at restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust between both nations. He added that swift presidential engagement could help calm tensions and provide reassurance to affected families.
He also urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with seriousness and urgency. He indicated that the welfare of Ghanaian citizens in South Africa must remain central to every diplomatic effort moving forward..
Calls Grow For National Evacuation Policy Amid Crisis
Honourable Jinapor stated that a significant number of Ghanaians are still in South Africa and may still require assistance. He recalled that Ghana has previously executed successful evacuation exercises during the First Liberian Civil War, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Addressing Parliament’s possible role, the Damongo MP indicated that discussions on legislation have advanced through committee level engagements. He added that the Minority intends to formally engage the Foreign Affairs Ministry and other stakeholders on the proposal.
“We have reached the point where Ghana needs an evacuation policy. There should be a dedicated authority responsible for evacuating citizens abroad whenever they are in distress.”
Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor
Furthermore, Honourable Jinapor argued that such a framework would improve preparedness and ensure faster responses during international crises. He noted that a specialised agency under the Foreign Affairs Ministry or Interior Ministry could strengthen coordination and accountability. He also added that the safety of Ghanaians abroad should remain a shared national responsibility that transcends partisan politics.
Moreover, the Damongo MP reaffirmed support for government’s decision to petition the African Union over the recent attacks. He explained that escalation to the continental body was necessary given the recurring nature of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
He recalled that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa previously sent a delegation to Ghana to apologise following earlier xenophobic incidents during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He said the recurrence of such attacks suggests structural issues that require serious intervention by South African authorities.
“These xenophobic attacks are becoming too frequent. The rhetoric and recurring violence are damaging South Africa’s reputation and weakening confidence across the continent.”
Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor
In addition, Honourable Jinapor argued that inflammatory rhetoric within South African political discourse may be fuelling hostility toward foreign nationals. He stated that campaign language targeting migrants can create fertile ground for public aggression and social division.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that every country expects foreign nationals to respect domestic laws and regulations. He stressed that lawful conduct remains essential for both citizens and migrants in every jurisdiction.
The Damongo MP, however, insisted that legal compliance can never excuse mob violence, destruction of property or attacks on innocent people. He stated that no grievance should translate into lawlessness or vigilante action.
He finally urged stronger diplomatic engagement, institutional preparedness and continental cooperation to address the recurring crisis. He emphasised that Ghana must protect its citizens abroad while supporting long term solutions that promote peace and security across Africa.
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