Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held urgent diplomatic discussions with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, following viral videos showing alleged xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Mr Ablakwa said he initiated a telephone conversation with the South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation to address the incidents and coordinate a response.
“I called him on the trending videos about Ghanaians coming under extremely disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” he said.
According to him, the South African government has expressed concern over the situation and assured Ghana of swift action.
“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He disclosed that South African authorities are expected to brief African ambassadors as part of efforts to manage the situation and reassure affected countries.
Mr Ablakwa also confirmed that he has been in close contact with Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, to coordinate the country’s response.
He added that Ghana’s diplomatic mission has already identified one of the victims seen in the viral footage and is providing consular assistance.
“I am gladdened that so far, colleagues in our diplomatic mission have located the main victim in the viral video and are offering consular assistance. He is doing very well,” he noted.
The Minister assured that no Ghanaian fatalities have been recorded in connection with the incident and urged the public to remain calm.
“No Ghanaian life has been lost. We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad, while also calling for unity across the continent.
“May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity… we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements,” he added.
