Ablakwa condemns xenophobic attacks on West Africans
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks against West African nationals in South Africa, especially Ghanaians, describing the situation as a threat to African unity and integration.
He said the recurring attacks defeated the essence of Pan-Africanism and must be halted, stressing that the incidents were “most regrettable and condemnable” and undermined the long-standing spirit of solidarity among African countries.
Speaking at the closing session of the Ghana–Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) in Accra yesterday, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had engaged South African authorities at the highest level and received assurances that investigations would be conducted and measures taken to address the situation.
“It is really condemnable… citizens who are going about their lawful duties are subjected to such naked hatred,” he stated, adding that such acts were a betrayal of Africa’s shared history, including support for liberation movements such as the African National Congress.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to Pan-African ideals, as espoused by Kwame Nkrumah, and called on African leaders to speak with one voice against xenophobia while safeguarding the dignity and rights of all Africans.
On her part, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Francess Piagie Alghali, reiterated her country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ghana, describing the partnership as critical to advancing shared development goals.
She commended Ghana’s leadership under John Dramani Mahama and associated herself with the condemnation of the attacks, urging that they be addressed in line with humanitarian principles and African solidarity.
Mrs Alghali further noted that the PJCC process would translate longstanding relations into concrete outcomes, with focus on key sectors such as energy, trade, agriculture, health, defence, tourism, transport and aviation to promote growth and prosperity in both countries.
By Cliff Ekuful
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