Okudzeto Ablakwa Urges Ghanaians to Avoid South Africa as Xenophobic Attacks Escalate
Foreign minister says Ghana has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and petitioned the African Union as violence against African migrants grows
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | June 1, 2026
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, as the government steps up diplomatic efforts to protect citizens abroad.
In a travel advisory issued on June 1, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had observed with “great concern” increasing attacks allegedly carried out by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes, resulting in injuries, looting, closure and takeover of businesses, and destruction of property belonging to African nationals.
The Mahama administration said it had taken a number of diplomatic measures in response to the situation, including conveying formal protests at the highest diplomatic level, summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and facilitating the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals affected by the unrest.
The ministry advised Ghanaians to “exercise extreme caution” and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice, citing growing security concerns linked to the attacks. Citizens already living in South Africa were also urged to maintain regular contact with Ghana’s High Commission for consular assistance and emergency support.
Ablakwa said Ghana would continue collaborating with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of nationals and ensure their welfare while diplomatic engagements continue.
The government further called on South African authorities to provide adequate protection for targeted African communities and take firm measures to restore law and order, stressing the importance of preserving Pan-African unity and regional cooperation.
The advisory comes amid renewed tensions over attacks on foreign African nationals in South Africa, an issue that has repeatedly strained diplomatic relations across the continent and sparked calls for stronger protections for migrants.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the welfare and safety of its citizens at home and abroad as officials continue to monitor developments.
