from RUSSELL ADADEVOH in Accra, Ghana
Ghana Bureau
ACCRA, (CAJ News) – GHANA is to repatriate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following the outbreak of xenophobic tensions in the latter country.
This is the latest fallout between the two countries amid vigilante groups running amok in the Southern African nation.
While Ghana has welcomed the intervention of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government in addressing the crisis in South Africa, it remains cautious and is taking no chances regarding the safety of its nationals.
Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said President John Mahama had granted approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians.
The minister said these “distressed” Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of what his government termed xenophobic attacks.
“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians at home and abroad,” Ablakwa added.
Ramaphosa this week reiterated his government’s condemnation of the attacks.
“We count on your leadership to resolve this,” Ablakwa had earlier said.
“Ghana deeply values the longstanding and inspiring bilateral relations defined by true solidarity and brotherhood with South Africa.”
Vigilante groups in South Africa are demanding that African nationals from outside the country leave.
Radical groups are also demanding that even documented foreign nationals should leave.
The United Nations, several African governments and human rights organisations have condemned the violence.
– CAJ News