President John Mahama says diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa remain strong despite recent xenophobic attacks that have forced some Ghanaians to leave the country. The president made the remarks while speaking at Chatham House in London during his five-day official visit to the United Kingdom.
Responding to a question on relations between the two countries, President Mahama described the attacks as unfortunate and expressed concern about recurring violence targeting foreign African nationals in South Africa; however, he emphasized that Ghana does not have any breach in diplomatic relations with South Africa.
According to President Mahama, xenophobic attacks have occurred in South Africa on several occasions over the years, often affecting citizens from neighboring countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
However, he noted that recent incidents have increasingly targeted Ghanaians living and working in the country.
The president said the government of Ghana took steps to evacuate some citizens after concerns mounted over their safety and the inability of authorities to quickly contain the attacks.
President Mahama suggested that some of the tensions could be linked to longstanding structural challenges dating back to the apartheid era, including unemployment among sections of South Africa’s Black population.
He called on African leaders and policymakers to work together to address the root causes of the violence and challenge the perception that migrants are responsible for economic hardships.
The president stressed that the attacks should not be allowed to damage the long-standing relationship between Ghana and South Africa.
President Mahama is currently in the United Kingdom, engaging policymakers, investors, and development partners on Ghana’s economic and development agenda.
