Ghana warns citizens to avoid South Africa over xenophobic attacks

​The Government of Ghana, on Monday, warned citizens to shun unnecessary trips to South Africa due to the xenophobic attacks against individuals from mostly African countries.

The authority observed that the targeting of Africans by groups presenting themselves as “anti-immigrant vigilantes” ha​d resulted in injuries, looting, business closure, and property loss.​

A travel advisory issued by Ghana’s Foreign Ministry advised nationals to “exercise extreme caution in their plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.”

The Mahama Administration has summoned the South African Acting High Commissioner and also petitioned the African Union, while ensuring ​the safety of its people.

Accra urged Pretoria to provide adequate, around-the-clock security for all vulnerable foreigners within its territory and take measures to ​restore law and order promptly.

Last week, the Ghanaian government received the first batch of nationals evacuated from South Africa, saying the action safeguards their welfare, dignity, and safety.

They were received by the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson, and other ​officials.

In his remarks, Debrah ​reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and the government to protect Ghanaians anywhere in the world.

The functionary ​said the administration considered ​the evacuation from South Africa prudent​, assuring that the authorities will expedite the rehabilitation of all returnees.

Ablakwa praised stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, ​and the ​National Disaster Management Organisation, for their roles in the successful ​removal.

Each evacuee, according to the Foreign Ministry, will receive psychosocial and medical support, and reintegration allowance, among others, to assist in rebuilding their lives.