Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has confirmed that no Ghanaian is currently in police custody following the anti-immigration protests that occurred in parts of South Africa on Tuesday, June 30. Mr. Quashie stated that while several Ghanaians were temporarily detained during immigration operations, all have now been released thanks to the intervention of officials from the Ghana High Commission.
“We have been monitoring the situation since 6 a.m. this morning. A few Ghanaians were arrested, but I can confidently say that all of them have been released through the efforts of our consular officers,” he said in an interview on Citi FM on June 30. He explained that those detained were stopped during routine immigration checks and asked to provide identification documents. After confirming their nationality as Ghanaians, South African authorities contacted the High Commission for verification before releasing them.
According to Mr. Quashie, the Ghana High Commission has an arrangement with South African law enforcement agencies, requiring them to consult the mission whenever a Ghanaian national is arrested. “The agreement is that if any Ghanaian is arrested, the authorities should first confirm with us. We verify whether the individual is indeed Ghanaian and advise accordingly,” he said.
The High Commissioner’s assurance comes as anti-immigration demonstrations gathered momentum in several South African cities, including Pretoria, where protesters called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. The protests have heightened concerns among migrant communities, with many foreign nationals limiting their movements over fears of possible attacks.
However, Mr. Quashie said the High Commission has not received reports of widespread violence targeting Ghanaians. He noted that only one Ghanaian was involved in an incident after ignoring the mission’s directive to remain indoors. “The only case we recorded involved a Ghanaian who admitted that he left his accommodation to visit his shop despite our advice. Unfortunately, protesters confronted him,” he said.
He added that no Ghanaian had sustained injuries and no Ghanaian-owned businesses or properties had been damaged during the demonstrations. Mr. Quashie urged Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, follow official safety directives and avoid unnecessary travel until the security situation stabilises. He further disclosed that the Ghana High Commission will organise another voluntary repatriation exercise next week for citizens who wish to return home as anti-immigration tensions continue in parts of South Africa.
Source: Raphael Ghartey
