South Africa xenophobic attacks target Ghanaian and other African nationals as SA police condemn violence and Pretoria faces continental pressure

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

South African police have condemned xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African residents amid a renewed wave of violence that has prompted Ghana’s government to begin evacuating an initial 300 Ghanaian nationals from the country. Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa Benjamin Quashie confirmed the voluntary repatriation programme this week, while Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa pledged that no Ghanaian abroad in distress would be abandoned.

The diplomatic fallout is escalating fast. Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for Nigeria to nationalise MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria, arguing that “Nigerian lives are more important than investment.” A separate Ghanaian returnee, Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, returned home on May 5 over safety concerns and has since become a focal point of media coverage. Pretoria, Accra, and Abuja are all working through diplomatic and consular channels, with arrangements being made to ensure the safe return of additional Ghanaians in dire situations. South Africa’s tourism sector is being asked to absorb the reputational pressure even as recent statistics show arrivals reaching 10.5 million in 2025.

African-Relations on The Tradewinds Brief

South Africa xenophobic attacks target Ghanaian and other African nationals as SA police condemn violence and Pretoria faces continental pressure