The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to urgently appear before the House to provide a comprehensive briefing on the reported evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following alleged xenophobic attacks.
Addressing journalists in Parliament on Wednesday, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, said Parliament must be fully informed about the circumstances surrounding the evacuation exercise and the status of thousands of Ghanaians still living in South Africa.
According to him, reports indicate that about 300 Ghanaians have been evacuated, despite more than 1,500 nationals reportedly registering for assistance. He questioned what arrangements had been made for those who remain in the country and called for greater transparency from the government.
Also read: Investors Pour GH¢1.16 Billion Into DDEP Bonds on GFIM
“We know between 25,000 and 30,000 Ghanaians are living in South Africa. If over 1,500 registered and only about 300 have been evacuated, what is happening to the rest?” he asked.
Mr. Boamah stressed that Ghana and South Africa have enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic relations over the years and cautioned against actions that could strain the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
He pointed to the significant investments South African companies have made in Ghana, including in telecommunications, banking, and mining, and underscored the need for diplomatic engagement rather than public exchanges that could escalate tensions.
The Okaikwei Central legislator noted that statements from both Ghanaian and South African authorities appeared to present differing accounts of the situation, necessitating that Parliament receive firsthand information from the Foreign Affairs Minister.
He argued that the House could assist government in addressing concerns if members were adequately briefed on the issues at stake.
“Diplomacy has nothing to do with propaganda or mischief. If there are concerns from South Africa regarding migration issues, and if Ghana also has concerns, Parliament should be informed so that we can contribute to resolving the matter,” he stated.
The Minority warned against allowing the issue to undermine bilateral relations, describing South Africa as an important partner with deep economic and people-to-people ties to Ghana.
Mr. Boamah said many Ghanaians occupy key positions in South African institutions, municipalities, financial institutions, and other sectors, making it imperative for both governments to handle the matter carefully.
He urged parliamentary leadership and the Speaker to facilitate the Minister’s appearance before the House, arguing that waiting for responses through routine parliamentary procedures could delay urgent action.
“This is a very important national issue. We do not want a situation where diplomatic relations are unnecessarily strained. The Minister should come before Parliament and brief the representatives of the people,” he said.
The Minority maintained that any disagreements or concerns between the two countries should be addressed through established diplomatic channels involving both governments, including direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He expressed confidence that stronger diplomatic efforts would help protect Ghanaian nationals in South Africa while preserving the cordial relations that have existed between the two countries for decades.