Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, asserting that Ghana maintains an open-door policy and a welcoming stance towards foreign nationals, particularly those from other African nations. He revealed this position on Saturday during a broadcast on Newsfile, where he shared data indicating a significant influx of South African tourists to Ghana, underscoring the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
Context of Inter-African Relations and Xenophobia
The comments come amid rising concerns over xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. These attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from various African leaders and international bodies, who decry the violence and discrimination against migrants and refugees. The issue touches upon broader themes of African integration, national identity, and the challenges of managing migration within the continent.
Ghana’s Welcoming Stance Highlighted by Tourism Data
Minister Ablakwa presented figures to illustrate Ghana’s commitment to African unity and its practical application. He stated that in the year 2025, a total of 11,981 South African citizens visited Ghana, primarily for tourism. This number underscores Ghana’s appeal as a travel destination and the strong people-to-people connections that exist between the two nations.
The positive trend is projected to continue, with Mr. Ablakwa noting that between January 1st and June 5th of the current year (2026), Ghana had already welcomed 10,282 South African visitors. These figures demonstrate a robust and growing travel exchange, contradicting any notion that such travel is one-sided or insignificant.
Ghana’s Rejection of Xenophobic Retaliation
Despite the concerning incidents in South Africa, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that Ghanaians will not reciprocate with xenophobic actions. He asserted that Ghana remains committed to its role as a beacon of Pan-Africanism and a proponent of genuine African integration.
“We will continue to demonstrate that we are the true Pan-Africans, we believe in African integration, we will not take it on any African nationals, we are not going to be retaliatory, we will welcome them, they should keep coming,” Mr. Ablakwa declared during the interview with host Samson Lardy Anyenini.
He further added, “We will welcome them, we are happy that the numbers are going up even as they target Ghanaians and other Africans.” This statement highlights a principled stance against intolerance, even in the face of adversity.
Broader Implications for African Unity
The Minister’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of Ghana’s long-standing commitment to continental solidarity. By highlighting the positive economic and social impacts of cross-border tourism and people-to-people exchanges, Ghana positions itself as a model for harmonious inter-African relations.
The data presented by Mr. Ablakwa counters narratives that might suggest widespread animosity between African nations. Instead, it points to a reciprocal desire for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation. This is particularly significant given the sensitive nature of migration and xenophobia within several African countries.
What to Watch Next
As xenophobic sentiments continue to be a challenge in parts of South Africa, the international community and African leaders will be closely watching the response from governments and civil society. Ghana’s firm stance and its emphasis on mutual benefit through tourism offer a potential blueprint for fostering greater understanding and cooperation across the continent. The continued growth in tourism figures between Ghana and South Africa will be a key indicator of the resilience of these bilateral ties and the broader pursuit of African unity in the face of divisive challenges.
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