The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has welcomed the Ghanaian seen in a viral video being harassed by a South Africa lady amid the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals by youth of that country.
Mr Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah was accompanied on his return home, on May 5, by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Benjamin Quarshie.
In a Facebook post, dated May 5, Mr Ablakwa said, “We are delighted to welcome back home from South Africa our dear compatriot, Mr. Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah.
I commend our High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Benjamin Quarshie for accompanying our brother all the way. There is no place like home.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister added that, “As we have already announced, Ghanaians who wish to be relocated back home should contact our High Commission to be assisted at the Government of Ghana’s expense.
The Mahama Administration values every Ghanaian life anywhere in the world, and we shall never abandon our citizens in distress. Your welfare remains our utmost priority.”
“I look forward to hosting Mr. Asamoah when I return to Ghana later this week. A warm Akwaaba to our cherished Ghanaian. It is well,” the post read.
It is recalled that on April 25, Mr Ablakwa promised that the government will relocate Emmanuel Asamoah.
According to him, the decision was taken due to security concerns following the widespread circulation of a viral video that exposed his identity.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the victim has been subjected to threats and online harassment after the incident, prompting urgent intervention by the government.
“We have taken the decision to relocate him and support his resettlement at full cost,” he said.
He added that the relocation destination will not be disclosed for security reasons.
The Minister noted that the victim, who was initially traumatised by the incident, is cooperating with authorities and continues to receive consular support.
Mr. Ablakwa clarified that investigations have confirmed the Ghanaian involved is a legal resident in South Africa.
He said South African authorities have officially verified that the individual had not violated any laws.
“This gentleman is not an illegal migrant. He is law-abiding,” he stressed.
The Minister commended South African authorities for their response, including an official apology and assurances of investigation.
He revealed that Ghana’s High Commissioner was invited to a meeting with the South African Vice President, where further apologies were issued.
Authorities in South Africa have also condemned xenophobic attacks and reiterated that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the police, not civilians.
Despite these responses, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern about recurring xenophobic incidents.
He noted that while apologies are often issued, perpetrators are rarely punished, allowing the attacks to continue.
“We are demanding swift investigations and sanctions to serve as a deterrent,” he said.
The Minister warned that continued inaction could embolden more attacks, putting African migrants at risk.
He stressed that Ghana will continue to engage South African authorities to ensure justice is served and such incidents are not repeated.
