Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has issued a strong caution to South Africans, urging them to cease offensive and disrespectful attacks directed at President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The statement, made during an interview with DW Africa, comes as Ghana actively works to support its citizens affected by recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa, highlighting rising diplomatic concerns over public discourse surrounding the crisis.
Context of Renewed Tensions
The remarks from the Ghanaian envoy follow a series of renewed anti-foreigner incidents in South Africa, which have seen migrants from various African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia, targeted with violence and intimidation.
Ghana has been actively engaged in efforts to evacuate and provide assistance to its nationals who have been impacted by these attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that hundreds of Ghanaians have registered with the High Commission in Pretoria seeking repatriation support.
Diplomatic Restraint and Growing Frustration
High Commissioner Quarshie emphasized that Ghana has maintained a deliberate stance of diplomatic engagement and restraint in addressing the situation. However, he noted that the continuous verbal abuse directed at Ghanaian leadership by some South Africans is becoming increasingly unacceptable and risks inflaming sentiments on both sides.
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