Accra, Ghana – Ernesto Yeboah, leader of the Economic Fighters League (EFL), issued a strong call for restraint on Friday, May 29, urging Ghanaians to resist any urge to retaliate against South African businesses or citizens following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians in South Africa. Speaking on Joy FM’s Ghana Connect programme, Yeboah emphasized that while understandable anger exists, Ghana must maintain its composure and act as a civilized nation guided by reason, not emotion.
Context of Cross-Border Tensions
Recent reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa have sparked outrage across the continent, with specific incidents allegedly targeting Ghanaians. These events have created a volatile atmosphere, leading to understandable public anger and calls for reciprocal action within Ghana.
Call for Measured Response
Yeboah directly addressed the potential for a backlash, warning that targeting South African-owned entities such as MTN and DStv would severely damage Ghana’s international reputation. He stressed that such actions would undermine the country’s standing on the global stage.
“We are not a lawless country,” Yeboah asserted, highlighting the significant economic and diplomatic costs associated with retaliatory measures. These costs, he explained, would manifest in diminished business confidence, eroded goodwill, and a weakened diplomatic stature.
Enforcement and Rule of Law
The EFL leader specifically called upon the Ghana Police Service to take a proactive stance. He urged the police to issue a clear public warning and to implement firm enforcement measures against anyone attempting to harass or attack South African businesses or individuals.
“The Ghana Police should make it clear that anybody who attempts to attack or harass South African businesses will be arrested and prosecuted. Ghana must remain a country governed by law,” Yeboah stated. This emphasizes a commitment to upholding legal frameworks regardless of external provocations.
Decoupling Mining Lease from Xenophobia Debate
Yeboah also addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Gold Fields’ mining lease in Ghana. He rejected any suggestion that the government’s decision on this matter should be influenced by the xenophobic incidents occurring in South Africa.
He clarified that the EFL’s long-standing position advocating for the nationalization of Ghana’s mining resources predates the current tensions. “For the past 10 years, our position has been that Ghana’s mining resources should be nationalised,” he said.
The core argument presented is that any decision regarding the Gold Fields lease must be grounded in Ghana’s long-term national interest, rather than being an emotional reaction to events in another country. “If government decides not to renew the lease, it should be because it is the right thing to do for Ghana, not because of afrophobia in South Africa,” Yeboah explained.
Maintaining International Credibility
Conflating these two distinct issues, Yeboah warned, risks significantly weakening Ghana’s credibility and international reputation. He reiterated that linking the mining lease decisions to the xenophobia crisis would be an emotional response that detracts from Ghana’s reasoned approach to international relations.
Future Implications and What to Watch
As Ghana navigates these complex diplomatic and economic waters, the call for a measured, law-based response is paramount. Observers will be watching closely to see if the government heeds this advice, prioritizing national interest and international standing over emotional reactions. The actions of the Ghana Police Service in deterring any retaliatory acts will be a key indicator of the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Furthermore, the independent decision-making process regarding the Gold Fields mining lease, free from the influence of South African xenophobia, will signal Ghana’s maturity in handling sensitive international relations and domestic economic policy.
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