Omanghana
The reassurance comes after thousands of protesters marched through several major South African cities, prompting heightened security measures and concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
According to the High Commissioner, although a few Ghanaians were temporarily stopped during immigration enforcement operations, swift intervention by the Ghana High Commission ensured their identities were verified and they were released without further action.
High Commission Responded Quickly
Mr. Quashie said the Ghana High Commission had been monitoring developments from the early hours of the day, with consular officials on alert from 6:00 a.m. to respond to any incidents involving Ghanaian citizens.
He explained that under existing diplomatic arrangements, South African law enforcement agencies are required to notify the Ghanaian mission whenever individuals believed to be Ghanaian nationals are detained for immigration-related checks.
This coordination enabled consular officers to promptly verify the identities of those affected and facilitate their release.
No Ghanaian Businesses Targeted
Despite reports of unrest and isolated incidents of looting in some communities, the High Commissioner confirmed that no Ghanaian-owned businesses or properties were attacked during the demonstrations.
He also stated that no Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries, describing the situation within the Ghanaian community as calm despite the broader security concerns.
Safety Advisories Credited for Protecting Ghanaians
Mr. Quashie attributed the safety of Ghanaian nationals largely to precautionary advisories issued by the High Commission before the demonstrations.
The Mission had urged Ghanaians living in South Africa to temporarily close their businesses, keep children away from school where possible, and avoid central business districts and other areas where protests were expected.
According to the High Commissioner, the early warnings helped minimize exposure to potential violence and contributed significantly to the community’s safety.
High Commissioner Warns Situation Remains Volatile
While expressing relief that no Ghanaians were harmed, Mr. Quashie cautioned that the security situation remains unpredictable.
He warned that tensions could escalate if the heavy deployment of police and security personnel is reduced in the coming days, noting that the continued presence of law enforcement is essential to preventing further unrest and opportunistic criminal activity.
The High Commission has therefore advised Ghanaian nationals to remain vigilant, monitor official updates, and continue observing all safety directives.
Voluntary Repatriation Flights Planned
In light of the ongoing anti-migrant climate, the Ghana High Commission announced that it is preparing another voluntary repatriation exercise for citizens who wish to return home.
The initiative is intended as a precautionary measure for Ghanaians who no longer feel safe remaining in South Africa amid the continuing tensions.
Officials said further details regarding registration and flight arrangements will be communicated to interested nationals in due course.
No Diplomatic Tensions Between Ghana and South Africa
Mr. Quashie emphasized that the recent protests have not strained diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa.
He disclosed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to dispatch special envoys to Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi to engage their governments on migration-related concerns and strengthen cooperation on developing long-term, pan-African solutions to regional migration challenges.
The Ghana High Commission says it will continue monitoring the situation closely while working with South African authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals living in the country.
Source: Omanghana
