Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil has suggested to the Government of Ghana to send a presidential jet to South Africa to evacuate Ghanaians in the face of the xenophobic attacks.
He made the point that such a move would send a clear signal to the South Africans engaged in the attacks that Ghanaians also have a country that cares for them.
Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, April 25, he said, “If I were the President I will send the presidential jet to SA, invite Ghanaians who want to exit to get on board and leave. That sends a message that we are serious, that we have a country.”
Kofi Bentil further accused the South Africans who are engaging in the xenophobic attacks of lacking knowledge about their own history.
He said they do not know how the freedom they are enjoying currently came about.
The legal practitioner pointed out that freedom was achieved through the support of other Africans.
To that end, he said the xenophobic attacks in South Africa are completely unacceptable.
“They are clearly ignorant about their own history,” he said.
He added, “We have to take steps to ensure the likes of Jacinta, who continuously instigate attacks towards other nationals, are exposed.”
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said that the government of Ghana has sent a clear message to all countries that Ghanaians must be respected wherever they are.
He said the government will not tolerate any disrespect or attacks on any Ghanaian, irrespective of where the person is.
Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday April, 25, he made the point that foreign nationals in Ghana are respected by the Ghanaian authorities theref0re Ghana expects reciprocity.
“We are ensuring Ghanaians everywhere are treated with fairness and respect,” he said.
He stressed “We will always work to ensure that the dignity of Ghanaians is respected everywhere.”
The Government of Ghana has protested the xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a meeting with the Acting High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba called on South African authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals.
The Minister summoned the High Commissioner on Thursday, April 23, 2026 to formally express concerns regarding the reported acts of intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians as captured in widely circulated viral videos.
The Minister further urged swift intervention to de-escalate tensions and demanded firm assurances that such incidents will not be repeated.
“The Government of Ghana accordingly registered a formal protest and called for immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection and safety of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, swift intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent further escalation and firm assurances that such incidents will not recur,” portions of a statement released by the Ministry stated.
The Minister while raising concerns over the escalating tensions in South Africa emphasised the deep historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and South Africa.
He recalled Ghana’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle and the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as the sacrifices made in the pursuit of South Africa’s liberation.
Mr. Ablakwa described the “unprovoked harassment and attacks on law-abiding individuals are contrary to the principles of African solidarity and unity.”
He stressed that Africans must not engage in actions that undermine peaceful coexistence across the continent.
According to the Minister, while no fatalities or injuries have been recorded in the current situation, past incidents of a similar nature have led to loss of lives and destruction of property, making it critical to prevent any recurrence.
He advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain indoors for their safety.
On his part, the Acting High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that the Government of South Africa is seized with the matter and is taking steps to restore calm.
He added that law enforcement authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent violence and hold individuals involved in the incidents accountable for their actions..
The Ministry assured the general public of its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals and will continue to engage the appropriate authorities to ensure their safety and protection.
