Ghana Government Secures Safe Return of Citizen Caught in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

The Government of Ghana has facilitated the safe return of a Ghanaian national, Mr. Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, who was recently featured in a viral video connected to xenophobic attacks in the Republic of South Africa.

Mr. Asamoah arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, accompanied by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie. He was received at the airport by Ambassador Harold Agyeman, Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with other ministry officials.

Addressing the media, Ambassador Agyeman reiterated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of Ghanaian nationals abroad. He disclosed that following the incident involving Mr. Asamoah, immediate measures were taken under the directive of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to relocate him to safety and facilitate his reunion with his family in Ghana.

Ambassador Agyeman expressed Government’s deep concern over the xenophobic attacks, stressing that Africa must remain a continent founded on unity, solidarity, and mutual respect. He condemned all forms of violence and mistreatment against African nationals, noting that the Foreign Affairs Minister had earlier summoned the Acting South African High Commissioner to Ghana to officially convey the Government’s concerns.

He further indicated that Ghana would continue to monitor developments closely while engaging South African authorities to ensure the protection of Ghanaians living in South Africa.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Quashie stated that Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has maintained active engagement with South African authorities regarding the situation. Although he acknowledged that conditions had not fully normalized, he noted that South African officials had taken Ghana’s concerns seriously and were working to prevent any recurrence of the attacks.

He commended the Foreign Affairs Minister for his swift intervention and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad.

High Commissioner Quashie also assured the Ghanaian community in South Africa that the Mission remains fully engaged with relevant stakeholders to guarantee their safety. According to him, the High Commission continues to issue regular advisory notices to Ghanaians, offering guidance on safe areas and cautioning against locations experiencing unrest.

Mr. Asamoah, on his part, expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its timely intervention and efforts to ensure his safety and successful return home.