The Government of Ghana has announced it is relocating Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian national legally residing in South Africa, after he came under an unwarranted xenophobic attack by a fringe vigilante group.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed the move in a post on Saturday, following an earlier announcement he made on TV3, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
In his statement, Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that he had spoken directly with Mr. Asamoah, who is reportedly “doing well” despite facing repeated threats following the assault.
He confirmed that plans are underway to take Mr. Asamoah out of South Africa to ensure his safety, though specific details about his destination and travel arrangements have not yet been disclosed.
The relocation is part of a broader effort by the Ghanaian government to shield its citizens from targeted violence and harassment in foreign countries.
The Minister also commended the Government of South Africa for its response to the incident, particularly highlighting the reassurance conveyed in a press statement issued by South Africa’s Minister for Police, Firoz Cachalia.
Reiterating Ghana’s foreign policy stance, Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that the protection of Ghanaians — whether at home or overseas — remains the government’s “utmost priority.”
He added that “no Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way,” signalling a stronger push for consular support and diplomatic interventions in cases of abuse or discrimination against citizens abroad.
The Minister concluded by expressing hope that Ghana–South Africa relations would emerge “stronger and better” from the incident, calling for continued dialogue and mutual respect between the two nations.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Bola Tinubu-led government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), issued an advisory urging Nigerian business owners in South Africa to temporarily shut down their operations amid a renewed wave of anti-foreigner protests that have turned violent in several parts of the country.
The warning, which comes as tensions escalate across major South African cities, is aimed at protecting lives and property following confirmed reports of looting, destruction and targeted attacks on foreign-owned businesses.
According to NiDCOM, the directive is based on an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026, which revealed that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had degenerated into violence, leaving many injured and businesses vandalised.
