By Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says government remains committed to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa despite recent xenophobic attacks that forced the evacuation of nearly 2,000 Ghanaians from the country.
Speaking to the media in Accra, Mr Ablakwa acknowledged that the recent developments had strained relations between the two countries but stressed that Ghana would continue to pursue diplomacy and peaceful engagement. He said Ghana’s foreign policy remained anchored on friendship and dialogue.
“Even though, because of the circumstances, relations have been a bit strained, we will continue to seek cordiality. We will continue to ensure that the needed rapprochement, the olive branch remains extended so that our relations will not be marred,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The Minister said Ghana had historically maintained a policy of peaceful diplomacy and would not allow temporary tensions to erase decades of strong bilateral and Pan-African relations.
He recalled Ghana’s significant contribution to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, including providing refuge to South African freedom fighters and supporting the liberation movement financially and diplomatically.
He noted that Ghana hosted South African students and provided sanctuary to freedom fighters during the apartheid era.
“We don’t believe that all of these efforts and sacrifices should go down the drain. We have no regrets for what we did because we did it in good faith. We are proud of what we did because we will fight any form of discrimination,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa also commended Ghanaians for refusing to engage in reprisals against South Africans living and operating businesses in Ghana.
He said more than 3,000 South Africans currently call Ghana home and had continued to enjoy protection and hospitality.
The Minister recalled that from the beginning of the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, he had consistently urged Ghanaians not to target South African nationals or businesses in retaliation.
He contrasted Ghana’s response with reports of reprisals against South African businesses in some other countries.
“We must commend Ghanaians for demonstrating that we indeed know what it means to be Pan-African, to be in solidarity, to be law-abiding and to remain committed to African integration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana would continue to engage South African authorities and demand adequate protection for Ghanaians and other African nationals living in the country.
He said South African authorities had indicated that efforts were being intensified to arrest persons involved in the anti-immigrant violence, with more than 300 arrests reportedly made.
“We will continue to demand that all Africans are protected, that we remain committed to the Pan-African ideals and that we respect the rights of all human beings,” he stated.
The Minister expressed optimism that despite the recent tensions, Ghana and South Africa would work towards restoring and strengthening their historic relationship.
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