ARISE Ghana has called on the Government of Ghana to reject the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease and has demanded the immediate repatriation of South Africans in Ghana, citing persistent xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians in South Africa.*

In a statement signed by Richard Kasu-Adzadu, Secretary of ARISE Ghana, the group expressed “deep concern and outrage” over recurring violent attacks on African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. The group said the incidents continue to undermine African unity, violate fundamental human rights, and betray the Pan-African solidarity on which the African Union was founded.

According to ARISE Ghana, many Ghanaian traders, workers, students, and residents in South Africa still live under fear and uncertainty due to repeated assaults, intimidation, destruction of businesses, displacement, and targeted harassment. “These acts cannot be normalized or excused under any circumstance,” the statement read.

The group condemned what it described as a “culture of impunity” that has allowed the attacks to recur over the years despite repeated diplomatic engagements and public assurances from the South African government.

While condemning South Africa, ARISE Ghana commended the Government of Ghana, particularly Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quarshie, for facilitating the safe return of 300 Ghanaians and providing reintegration support.

Key Demands
ARISE Ghana is demanding four major actions from the government:

1. Legal & Diplomatic Action: That Ghana pursue redress through African Union mechanisms, including the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The group argued that attacks on African migrants violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and AU regional integration protocols. Victims, it said, deserve justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence.

2. Mining Lease Review: That the NDC government reject any renewal of mining leases involving Gold Fields until the company demonstrates “responsible corporate citizenship and respect for Ghanaian national interests.” ARISE Ghana argued it is unacceptable for Ghana to grant strategic economic privileges while Ghanaian citizens face hostility in South Africa.

3. Indigenous Participation: That strategic mining concessions be awarded to indigenous Ghanaian companies such as Engineers and Planners so that proceeds remain in Ghana for national economic benefit.

4. Repatriation Call: That South African nationals domiciled in Ghana for business or any other purpose return to their home country “to enable us comprehensively fix our beloved country, Ghana.”

Conclusion
In conclusion, ARISE Ghana stated that “Africa’s future cannot be built on division, violence, and hostility against fellow Africans.” The group said xenophobia weakens regional cooperation, damages economic integration, and betrays the vision of a united continent championed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The group urged the Government of Ghana to remain firm and courageous in defending its citizens.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region