Mahama States Ghana-South Africa Ties Unchanged by Attacks

President John Mahama declared that Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa are unaffected by recent xenophobic attacks. These attacks led to the voluntary evacuation of some Ghanaian citizens. Mahama spoke at Chatham House in London during a visit to the United Kingdom. He described the attacks as unfortunate.

The President expressed disappointment over growing hostility towards African nationals. He stated there was no breach in diplomatic relations. "What happened was that it’s not the first time there have been these xenophobic attacks in South Africa," he explained. He noted that these surges in anti-foreign attacks sometimes lack a clear name. Previous incidents mostly affected people from neighbouring countries. These included Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.

However, the latest attacks increasingly targeted Ghanaians. "Lately, Ghanaians have gotten involved. This is the first time we’ve really had Ghanaians getting a part of the direction of attacks," Mahama said. He explained that worsening security conditions prompted government-organized evacuations. Citizens who felt unsafe chose to leave South Africa. Many Ghanaians there are skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. They run businesses in barbering, hairdressing, and beauty services. These businesses contribute to local economies.

During the attacks, foreigners' shops were locked. Migrants feared moving freely. They worried about being identified and assaulted. Reports of raids on health facilities worsened the situation. "And if you were not South African, you were asked to leave the hospital," Mahama stated. This created a very toxic atmosphere for ill individuals. Nearly 200 displaced Ghanaians sought refuge at Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria. The government decided to evacuate citizens due to safety concerns. They saw an apparent inability to quickly contain the violence.

"It didn’t look like the South African authorities were doing anything to try to quell what was happening," President Mahama commented. He noted the lack of protection for displaced persons. This led to the first evacuation flight. Two more flights were planned for those wishing to leave South Africa. The process was voluntary. "We asked, 'Do you want to stay or leave?' And many of them say they feel threatened. And so they want to leave," he added. The first batch of 300 Ghanaians arrived back in Accra on Wednesday, May 27.

These incidents highlight the need for deeper African cooperation. Mahama stressed addressing obstacles to continental integration. He emphasized that migration drives development. African economies benefit greatly from the movement of people and skills. "I think it’s unfortunate what is happening in South Africa. We need to drill down to what causes these flare-ups in terms of xenophobia," he urged. African countries should sympathize with South Africa. They should help address the root economic and social conditions. Reducing unemployment and tackling inherited inequalities are critical for lasting solutions.

Mahama suggested that some tensions stem from apartheid-era structural challenges. Persistent unemployment among Black South Africans is a key issue. He called on leaders to address the violence's root causes. They must challenge perceptions that migrants cause economic hardship. "After the last fellow African leaves, is it going to change unemployment among blacks in South Africa?" he questioned. He reiterated that migration benefits host countries and migrants. Ghanaian professionals abroad and other Africans in Ghana contribute significantly. "And everybody brings some advantage. They either bring their knowledge or they bring investments," Mahama concluded. "And I think we should get over this fear of foreigners coming into our countries."