No Ghanaian Harmed in South Africa Protests – High Commissioner Assures
Mission issues safety advisory as demonstrations target undocumented migrants in Pretoria
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quarshie, has assured that no Ghanaian has been harmed amid ongoing protests in parts of the country, particularly in Pretoria and nearby areas.
The protests, organised by a group known as the “March Organisation,” are being held at the Union Buildings and are led by Ms. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. The demonstrators are demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, Mr. Quarshie said the Ghanaian Mission had issued an urgent advisory to its citizens in affected areas, urging them to remain indoors and temporarily shut their businesses as a precaution.
According to him, the directive followed intelligence reports about planned demonstrations in multiple locations, prompting swift action to safeguard Ghanaian nationals and their businesses.
“We issued an advisory note to all Ghanaians, especially those in Pretoria and its environs, asking them to stay home and close their shops temporarily to avoid any confrontation,” he explained.
He noted that the situation remains under control, with a strong presence of South African police officers deployed to maintain law and order.
Mr. Quarshie further confirmed that no Ghanaian-owned business has been attacked or vandalised, attributing this to adherence to the safety advisory.
“Fortunately, there is a high police presence ensuring security. As of now, no Ghanaian has reported any harm or damage to property,” he said.
He added that the police are also ensuring that protesters follow approved routes while presenting their grievances to authorities.
On the duration of the advisory, the High Commissioner indicated that the Mission is closely monitoring developments across various regions and will provide updates when necessary.
He also disclosed that he is currently in East London handling a separate consular issue involving Ghanaians, which has been successfully resolved and is unrelated to xenophobic tensions.
Mr. Quarshie reassured Ghanaians in South Africa of the Mission’s continued commitment to their safety, adding that it will keep working with local authorities to ensure their protection during such public disturbances.
