‘We are tired of the intimidation’ – Ghanaians in South Africa lament during meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister.
Distressed Ghanaian nationals living in South Africa have shared painful accounts of fear, legal uncertainty, and economic hardship during an emotionally charged meeting with Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
The meeting, captured on video, revealed the growing anxiety among members of Ghana’s estimated 20,000-strong community in South Africa as xenophobic attacks continue to spread across the country. While some Ghanaians are eager to return home, others say they are trapped by circumstances beyond their control.
One man, who identified himself as a teacher legally employed in South Africa, expressed frustration over what he described as years of mistreatment and immigration difficulties.
“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country,” he told the minister. He claimed that many Ghanaians who previously held valid documents have suddenly had their permanent residency permits revoked, while business permits that had been renewed several times were later declared fraudulent by authorities.
The teacher also recounted how he assisted a Ghanaian woman who was knocked down by a vehicle, saying he personally hired a lawyer and pursued the case to its conclusion, only for the claim to be rejected.
Another Ghanaian woman at the meeting raised concerns about the safety of nationals living outside Pretoria, explaining that many are too afraid to travel and register for the government’s evacuation programme.
“Some of us outside Pretoria can’t even travel by bus or taxi to come and register their names because they are scared,” she said, referring to growing hostility against foreign nationals.
Her remarks highlighted concerns that some of the most vulnerable Ghanaians, particularly those living in smaller towns and townships, may not be able to access the evacuation process.
A Ghanaian businessman also warned that the anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa could worsen, describing the current situation as more than a temporary crisis.
“What we are seeing is not something that is going to end today,” he said, alleging that some groups involved in the demonstrations were receiving financial support.
Fearing further escalation, the businessman disclosed that he had begun discussions with South African counterparts about possible takeover arrangements for Ghanaian-owned businesses to allow affected owners to leave the country peacefully.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced support measures for evacuees, including a “Welcome Home Financial Package,” transportation assistance, reintegration support, and free psychosocial services.
As of May 21, more than 800 Ghanaians had registered at the High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation, with the first group of returnees expected to depart after the completion of screening and verification processes.
Despite the government’s intervention, many affected Ghanaians say the crisis has already cost them years of hard work, stable livelihoods, and a sense of security in a country they once considered home.
For many of them, the question is no longer whether to go home. It is whether Ghana will be ready to truly receive them when they do.
Source:Kwaku Antwi Boasiako
