The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that the man in a viral video who was seen being cautioned by a South Africa lady to desist from engaging in economic activities, is not an illegal immigrant.
He said this has been established by his office through credible checks.
“I can tell you on authority that that man, Mr Asamoah, is a legal immigrant. He has the appropriate documentation to reside in South Africa,” he disclosed.
He also announced that for his safety, Mr Asamoah will be relocated from South Africa, “We have discussed and he has agreed. We will relocate him to another country. He has been through a lot of trauma so we need to take care of him.”
It is recalled that some groups of South African youth were filmed attacking foraign national in their country.
In an interview with 3news, the leader of the March & March Movement, the group leading the protest attack against other African nationals in South Africa, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, alleged that 65% of all organised crimes happening in the country are caused by nationals from other African countries.
According to her, nobody has died from the recent attacks and cautioned the public about painting a certain narrative around the issues going on in South Africa.
Fresh diplomatic tension between Ghana and South Africa emerged after disturbing viral videos appeared to show Ghanaians being assaulted in South Africa.
Jacinta Zuma said, “I’d love to come to Ghana. As I said, I’m very disappointed that it’s come to this because Ghana is one of the countries that don’t give us a hard time. You know, we’ve always been good neighbors, we’ve always been respectful to each other, and it’s so sad to see that this one incident has been blown out of proportion to the point that it makes us seem like we’re rivals, whereas we’ve been such great neighbours”.
“I mean, we’ve been supportive and we know Ghanaians are very kind, they’re very respectful, they’re very friendly, and we plead with you guys, so please don’t feed into the media narrative of what is going on and rather ask us, and we will go out of our way to make sure that we maintain a peaceful and respectful relationship with you,” she stressed.
On April 24, the South African Ministry of Police strongly condemned the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaians and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.
A statement on X notes that “These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which the South African democracy is founded.”
The Ministry of Police further advised the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Subsequently, the Police have been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents whilst all those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Ministry of Police further called on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country.
The Ministry further urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence.
