Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a strong assurance that the government will not waver in its responsibility to safeguard the rights and dignity of Ghanaians living abroad. His statement comes in response to renewed reports of attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa, highlighting the persistent challenge of xenophobia in parts of the country.
In an interview with TV3 Ghana, the Minister stressed that the protection of Ghanaians overseas remains a core mandate of the Foreign Affairs Ministry—one the government is determined to uphold with firmness and resolve. He emphasised that no Ghanaian, regardless of where they reside, will be left exposed or without the protection of the state.
“We have demonstrated that we will not compromise when it comes to protecting the rights of Ghanaians and ensuring that their dignity and humanity are preserved, and that is what the Foreign Ministry exists to do.
Every Ghanaian everywhere must have the confidence that when I am in harm’s way and in trouble, I will not be left alone and that my Foreign Ministry and government will stand up for me and fight for me and will seek to protect my interests and seek to preserve my rights and that is a very clear message we are sending out with very profound respect and we will continue to ensure that Ghanaians everywhere are treated with respect.”
The Minister further stressed that safeguarding citizens across borders is not optional but essential to Africa’s collective progress. He warned that xenophobic violence not only endangers lives but also weakens the foundations of pan-African unity and longstanding ties among nations on the continent.
Source: Kabah Atawoge
